Groundbreaking Plans for Brewing Sake in Space

Asahi Shuzo Co., the celebrated maker of premium Dassai sake, is set to embark on a revolutionary journey by brewing rice wine aboard the International Space Station (ISS) in 2025. This ambitious undertaking not only marks the first instance of sake brewing in space, but it also serves as a stepping stone towards a fascinating future goal: brewing on the moon!

Partnering for a Pioneering Experiment

The Iwakuni-based sake producer has partnered with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. and the Aichi Center for Industry and Science Technology to launch essential brewing components—rice, koji mold, and yeast—into orbit next year. This pioneering experiment is poised to change the landscape of both brewing techniques and space exploration, as reported by The Asahi Shimbun.

Vision for Lunar Brewing

Asahi Shuzo's aspirations extend well beyond the ISS. The company envisions creating a sake brewery on the lunar surface, harnessing water sourced from the moon to craft their iconic Dassai sake. “Our ultimate goal is to brew Dassai on the moon using water found there,” a company spokesperson stated, reflecting their innovative vision for the future of lunar colonization.

The Brewing Process in Microgravity

The brewing process will take place in Japan’s Kibo module on the ISS, where astronauts will mix the carefully chosen ingredients with water. The unique environment of microgravity will allow for an extraordinary brewing process that includes automated stirring and monitoring of alcohol levels. Once the fermentation is complete, the moromi, or unrefined sake, will be frozen and brought back to Earth. This will result in a limited-edition bottle of “Dassai MOON – Space Brew,” with a staggering price tag of JPY 100 million (approximately $653,000).

Captivating the Public's Curiosity

This exclusive offering is expected to captivate the public’s curiosity and passion for space and traditional Japanese craftsmanship. All proceeds from the sale of this unique sake will be directed towards enhancing domestic space development projects, underscoring Japan’s dedication to advancing its technological capabilities in space.

Logistical Benefits of Brewing Sake

Interestingly, the decision to brew sake rather than wine was made due to the logistical benefits offered by rice over grapes, such as lighter weight and reduced water content. This positioning showcases Asahi Shuzo’s commitment to leveraging its expertise in traditional Japanese sake-making while boldly venturing into the final frontier.

A New Frontier in Brewing and Space Technology

As Asahi Shuzo pioneers this initiative, they intend to unlock fresh opportunities in brewing while also propelling advancements in space technology. This ambitious project melds the rich heritage of Japanese sake brewing with the excitement of space exploration, promising a future where traditional craftsmanship may indeed extend to the stars and beyond!