Archive · 11 Aug 2025
Cola Wars in Space: Coca-Cola and Pepsi's NASA Race
Back in the 1980s, NASA wanted to make drinks better for astronauts in space.
Coca-Cola saw this as a chance to test soda in zero gravity.
They made a deal with NASA, but PepsiCo wanted in too.
There was a bit of a fight, and eventually both companies got to send their sodas to space on the same mission.
The first soda astronauts drank in space was Coca-Cola, but it was a win-win for both companies to be part of this space exploration.
Coca-Cola and PepsiCo competed to be the first to send a carbonated beverage into space.
NASA was interested in improving astronaut beverage options, particularly due to a lack of refrigeration on the shuttle.
Coca-Cola initially negotiated with NASA to test zero-gravity carbonated beverages.
PepsiCo contested Coca-Cola's deal, leading to both companies eventually partnering with NASA.
The first soda in space was Coke, consumed on July 29, 1985.
- Who
- Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and NASA astronauts.
- What
- Coca-Cola and PepsiCo competed to send their soft drinks into space with NASA.
- When
- The competition took place in the mid-1980s, with the first soda in space on July 29, 1985.
- Where
- The space shuttle and within NASA
- Why
- To improve astronaut beverage options and for marketing opportunities.
Coca-Cola's perspective
PepsiCo's Perspective
Exclusivity vs. Competition
Coca-Cola's perspective
Coca-Cola wanted to be the exclusive provider of soda for NASA to enhance its brand's prestige and sales opportunities.
PepsiCo's Perspective
PepsiCo contested to enter the market, believing they should be granted a chance to compete with Coca-Cola.
- Companies Involved
- Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, NASA
- Year of First Flight
- 1985
- Primary Goal
- Testing zero-gravity carbonated beverages
- First Soda in Space
- Coca-Cola