If you ever wanted to get a taste of what astronauts in space get to dine, Japan’s All Nippon Airways will be serving some “space food” to celebrate Japan’s Space Day and Sky Day next month.

All Nippon Airways will be partnering with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) to celebrate Space and Sky Day with various activities at airports and inflight during the week of September 12-20.

The highlight of the activities will be a special menu of “space food” for travelers on the daily ANA service between Tokyo-Narita and Houston – home to NASA’s Johnson Space Center. Passengers on the flights from September 12-20 will be able to try food and drinks certified by JAXA such as beef curry, okan (sweet red bean paste), and green tea.

Passengers on the Tokyo-Houston flights during the week will also get video programs prepared by ANA and JAXA, a boarding certificate, a sticker, and a mini-card.

Japan’s Space Day is celebrated on September 12, when Mamoru Mohri became the first Japanese astronaut to enter space aboard NASA’s space shuttle in 1992. September 20 is Sky Day, which was designated the same year to mark the 40th anniversary of the resumption of Japanese civil aviation.

“ANA is driven by a bold and inspiring vision of the future of flight,” said Toyoyuki Nagamine, member of the board, senior executive vice-president, ANA Holdings Inc., in a press release. “Astronauts exemplify bold and inspiring actions. We’re thrilled to be able to celebrate these accomplishments and share a fun experience with our valued customers.”

Beyond giving a taste of space food, ANA has been seriously looking to opening up some space flights. It has recently invested up to ¥200 million (USD $1.8 million) in PD Aerospace – a Nagoya-based commercial space flight startup.



For those who want book a ticket to get on board, it could be expensive. A quick search online shows the tickets for the flights (NH173/174) could cost at least $1000.



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