Nutella boldly goes forth with the Artemis 2 moon mission
A jar of Nutella floats in the Artemis 2 shuttle as it ventures to the moon. Pic: courtesy of NASA/Ferrero
Fans of Nutella have been given a stellar surprise, as the brand became an unexpected star of the Artemis II moon mission, being cited among the historic trip’s provisions inventory, reports Neill Barston.
Manufacturer Ferrero noted it was in fact unaware that its star spread made it aboard the record-breaking journey with astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch, of NASA, and Jeremy Hansen of the Canadian space agency.
The mission, which has taken its crew further from earth than anyone has gone before, saw its team fly-by the dark side of the moon, allowing valuable insights into its topography.
But it seems the inclusion of the popular hazelnut spread on the shuttle – which is presently closing in on a return to earth, caught fans unaware last week as it made its pathway to the moon.
Ferrero subsequently described it as an especially ‘proud moment’ to have gained some confectionery kudos on the flight – but it is not the first time that the company has boldly gone forth into space.
Back in 2021, the business saw a specially modified Tic Tac shot into space in tribute to UFO sightings of craft that have been said to resemble the breath freshening sweets.
“It’s one small mint for man, one giant mint, for Mankind’, was just one of many messages displayed on a specially devised Tic Tac as it made history in being transported into space.
For its latest unexpected appearance in space, the company invited fans to express where in the world was their most unusual Nutella experience.
Speaking on the Artemis II mission, Ferrero expressed its delight at the unexpected sight.
The company said: Like so many people around the world, we are captivated by the Artemis II mission and inspired by the brilliant teams making it possible.
“We were over the moon to see how an unexpected glimpse of Nutella was able to spread a smile to our fans – even in space! We always knew Nutella is out of this world, now we have proof! We congratulate NASA and its international partners and wish the crew a safe journey and a successful mission.
“Ferrero was not informed in advance about the presence of a Nutella jar onboard the Artemis II mission and did not provide any products to NASA or the Canadian Space Agency.
We learned that the product was included among the personal food items authorised by the space agencies, according to their procedures.”
