Going outer space? Have a beer!

Going outer space? Have a beer!

Space tourism is about to take off as early as next year and all you thirsty travellers will be able to enjoy a pint or four in zero gravity thanks to two Oz firms
- Saber Astronautics Australia and the Four Pines Brewing Company."Wherever humans have journeyed or conquest to throughout history in the last few thousand years, we first worry about water, food, shelter and clothing," quoted
Jaron Mitchell, founder of the Four Pines to News.com.au"In many cases beer is the next consideration soon after the above four."The beer has been named after the first manned space flight in 1961, Vostok.Four Pines Brewing Company, which is a microbrewery, bar and restaurant based in Manly, Sydney, had earned some very loyal customers, including
Dr Jason Held, director of Saber Astronautics Australia.Held put the beer idea through to Mitchell and after much discussion they came up with the beer that could be drunk not only in space but anywhere on earth too.Saber's first goal was to develop a recipe that people could enjoy comfortably.It picked a high-flavoured beer as a baseline recipe to ensure that space travellers could enjoy the full flavour of the smoky Irish style stout, no matter how long the flight duration."The gases and the liquids don't like to separate in zero gravity. So we've reduced the carbonation a bit and given it a really strong flavour to the beer," Held said.Part of the reason scientists went with the stout was not just for the flavour but also for its sturdiness in different environments."You've got a lot more wiggle room with certain conditions in the stout that I don't think you have with other types of beers. That said, it's early days, research-wise," Held said.

Source: ANI and sify.com

Published March 9 2011