July 31, 2023

In capitalist societies, the allocation of resources prioritizes problem-solving. As we explore the possibilities of space development, one of the significant challenges lies in its potential to address the problems faced by the majority of humanity on Earth. While we have taken some cautious commercial steps in the form of satellite monitoring and communication technologies, space tourism is often seen as the “killer app” that could kickstart the commercialization of space. However, for a sustainable business model, humans need to manufacture something in space that cannot be produced on Earth.

In this article, we will delve into the exploration of possible first-manufactured goods in space. Interestingly, the first product that comes to mind is not something one might consider high-tech. Wine, one of humanity’s oldest products, has been consumed for thousands of years and is likely to continue being enjoyed for many more. A key aspect of wine is its ability to improve with age, creating an opportunity for winemakers to profit from holding a large inventory of well-aged wine. Some investors even view wine as a valuable asset, given its tendency to increase in price over time.

The primary challenge lies in the time required for wine to age, as no foolproof method exists to expedite the process. This obstacle is what sparked particular interest when an experiment conducted on the International Space Station (ISS) hinted at a potential solution. The experiment, known as MISSION WISE (Vitis Vinum in Spatium Experimentia), is part of a series of six missions organized by Space Cargo Unlimited, a European company funded by private research.

The first mission of MISSION WISE, which took place in 2019, involved transporting twelve bottles of Bordeaux wine to the ISS. The wine remained in Low Earth Orbit for 438 days and 19 hours before returning to Earth via a Dragon capsule in January 2021. Accomplishing this feat was not without its challenges, as glass and alcohol are typically prohibited on the ISS. Consequently, the Bordeaux bottles were sealed in metal containers to comply with safety regulations. Additionally, control bottles were kept on Earth to age naturally for comparison.

The taste test results, released in May 2021, revealed surprising differences between the space-aged wine and its Earth-aged counterpart. The space-aged wine exhibited variations in color and taste, and most notably, it appeared to have aged at least 2-3 times faster than the Earth-aged wine, according to experts on the tasting panel. It is important to note that the experiment had its limitations. The experts could only sample one bottle of the space-aged wine, and the metal cylinder encasing the wine may have influenced the aging process for both the space-bound and Earth-bound samples. Nevertheless, the accelerated aging process demonstrated by the space-aged wine has the potential to revolutionize the winemaking industry.

This initial achievement has paved the way for further exploration. Space Cargo Unlimited has continued their research with subsequent missions, including one where grape vines were sent to the ISS to investigate the effects of microgravity on plant growth. These vines have now been replanted in greenhouses across France, with the first grape harvest expected later this year. Additionally, Space Cargo Unlimited plans to conduct three more experiments focusing on bacteria, yeast, and the fermentation process to understand the impact of microgravity and space radiation on winemaking.

These endeavors offer a glimpse into the company’s overarching goals. By conducting extensive research and experiments in space, Space Cargo Unlimited aims to gain insights into the unique opportunities and challenges that space offers for winemaking. It is an exciting time for the industry, as we push the boundaries of what is possible and unlock the potential of space to enhance the quality and production of our beloved wines.

In conclusion, while space exploration and development have primarily focused on solving Earth-based problems, the commercialization of space requires the creation of goods that cannot be produced on our planet. Wine, one of humanity’s oldest beverages, presents a fascinating opportunity in this regard. The experiment conducted on the ISS, along with subsequent research, has revealed the potential to accelerate the aging process of wine in microgravity. With further exploration and understanding, we may be on the brink of a new era in winemaking, where space plays an integral role in producing exceptional wines that captivate our senses and enrich our experiences.

Space Cargo Unlimited, a company specializing in the cultivation of plants in space, is exploring the effects of stressors on plant growth that are not readily available in the natural world. While radiation is known to have an impact on DNA, Space Cargo Unlimited believes that exposure to radiation in the microgravity environment of space can potentially increase the resilience of plants and make them more viable in a changing climate on Earth.

One of their current projects, MISSION WISE, focuses on using space stressors to improve the quality of wines and grapes. By subjecting grapevines to radiation and microgravity, Space Cargo Unlimited hopes to bring about beneficial changes in the plants that can enhance the flavors and characteristics of the resulting wines. However, their ambitions don’t stop there. The company plans to explore the effects of space stressors on various other plant types to see what positive changes can be introduced in this unique environment.

While the profitability of these endeavors remains uncertain, initial experiments conducted by MISSION WISE have already demonstrated that there are unknown changes in how biological processes operate on the International Space Station (ISS). This ongoing research paves the way for potential advancements in agriculture and horticulture back on Earth. Imagine being able to savor a bottle of space-aged wine, a product that combines the expertise of winemaking with the marvels of space exploration.

The success of Space Cargo Unlimited’s efforts could have far-reaching implications beyond just the production of space-aged wines. It could provide economic incentives to invest more in space infrastructure, as the benefits of this research extend to improving one of the oldest crafts known to humans. However, it is important to note that this is still a work in progress, and it may take time before space-aged wines become commercially available.

As we eagerly await the outcome of Space Cargo Unlimited’s experiments, we can recognize the significance of this research. It highlights the potential for new discoveries and innovative applications of space technology in different industries. Whether it’s improving the quality of wines or enhancing the resilience of plants in a changing climate, the exploration of space stressors opens up exciting possibilities for the future of agriculture and our understanding of biological processes.

So, while we may have to exercise patience before we can indulge in a bottle of space-aged wine, the prospect of harnessing the unique effects of space on plants is undeniably fascinating. And who knows, maybe in the near future, we’ll be raising a glass to toast the unexpected discoveries made possible through the convergence of science, technology, and space exploration.