Has the thought of not being able to drink champagne been putting you off space travel? Us too.
The good news is, we’re not the only ones – and those with more money and incentive than us have finally figured out a solution. Having spent the last three years working alongside space travel design agency, Spade, Mumm Champagne will release a bottle of fizz able to be enjoyed in zero gravity conditions in September 2018.
According to Octave de Gaulle, founder of Spade, the major challenge was figuring out a way of actually getting the liquid out of the bottle when exposed to zero gravity. To overcome this, Mumm Grand Cordon Stellar features a specially designed clear glass bottle that utilises the pressure within to expel the champagne into a ring-shaped frame. In zero gravity, this forms a droplet of bubbles which can then be gathered using a custom-made glass.
The tiny glasses have a tapering stem, no base, and a sightly concave cup just five centimetres in diameter that catches the foam. Once successfully caught, surface tension enables the fizz to stick to the glass, ready for consumption.
The project has been described by Mum as “a groundbreaking feat of technology that makes it possible for astronauts and other space travellers to enjoy Champagne in the challenging surroundings of zero gravity.”
In a recent zero gravity test flight (see video), Mumm Cellar Master Didier Mariotti claimed space conditions also altered the drinking experience. “It’s a very surprising feeling… because of zero gravity, the liquid instantly coats the entire inside of the mouth, magnifying the taste sensations. There’s less fizziness and more roundness and generosity, enabling the wine to express itself fully.”
While alcohol is currently not permitted on board the International Space Station (probably for the best), it is permitted on zero gravity leisure flights, which is where Mumm Grand Cordon Stellar will first be served. The house also hopes to supply their champagne on future space missions and commercial space flights.
Although the reality of us ever sipping floating champagne bubbles whilst exploring the solar system seems light years away, it’s always good to know the option is there. Thanks, Mumm.
Check out the video footage from a recent zero gravity test flight
The specially designed bottle expels bubbles that can be caught in a custom-made glass
Mumm Cellar Master Dider Mariotti catching his floating fizz
