Historic Launch of the DASSAI MOON Project: Brewing Sake in Space for the First Time
Brewing History in Space: The DASSAI MOON Project
Tokyo, October 9, 2025 – In a groundbreaking endeavor set to blend tradition with innovation, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) is preparing to launch the DASSAI MOON Project, a unique initiative aimed at brewing sake in space. The mission is a collaborative effort involving Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) and DASSAI Inc., a renowned sake brewery based in Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture.
On October 21, 2025, H3 Rocket No. 7, Japan’s new mainstay launch vehicle, will take off from Tanegashima Island, transporting specially developed brewing equipment and ingredients destined for the International Space Station (ISS). This mission marks a significant step in testing the feasibility of producing sake—an essential part of Japanese culture—beyond the planet’s surface.
The DASSAI MOON Project Explained
launched in 2024, the DASSAI MOON Project isn’t merely about the novelty of brewing in space; it aspires to lay the groundwork for a lunar brewery, furthering human exploration and habitation on the moon. Phase 1 of this ambitious project will see the world’s first sake brewing experiment performed in a controlled environment that mimics lunar conditions, specifically a gravity of 1/6G.
Astronaut Kimiya Yui will oversee the brewing process in the Japanese experiment module Kibo on the ISS, making this a historic moment for both space exploration and Japanese craftsmanship. The goal is to enhance life-supporting activities on the moon, showcasing how traditional practices can evolve in extraterrestrial environments.
Mission Details
The ingredients—rice, malt, yeast, and water—have been specifically chosen and prepared for this unique environment. Launching at approximately 10:58 AM on October 21, these items will be onboard the H3 rocket alongside the HTV-X, a newly developed unmanned cargo transfer spacecraft making its debut flight. After being transported to the ISS, the brewing equipment will be set up and prepared for fermentation using a method characteristic of Japanese sake.
Timeline and Execution
Testing in orbit is anticipated to begin around 10 days post-launch. Over the following two weeks, the brewing process will take place, with multiple parallel fermentations monitored closely from Earth. Once fermentation concludes, the raw sake will be frozen for later retrieval—set to occur no earlier than year-end. This outcome not only seeks to produce sake for enjoyment but also aims to collect valuable data to inform future endeavors within Japan’s burgeoning space industry.
A Collaborative Effort
This project highlights a remarkable synergy between JAXA, MHI, DASSAI, and various Japanese institutions and companies. The collaboration emphasizes Japan’s capabilities in advancing space technology while also respecting and preserving cultural heritage.
A Toast to the Future
The DASSAI MOON Project is more than just an experiment in brewing sake in space; it’s a celebration of human ingenuity and tradition, showcasing how cultural practices can find new life beyond Earth. As we look ahead to the launch on October 21, we cannot help but wonder about the outcomes that await on this exhilarating journey.
For more details on the DASSAI MOON Project, visit their dedicated website: DASSAI MOON Project.
Cheers to both the past and future of brewing, about to unfold among the stars!