Scottish and Japanese researchers seeking to distil whisky in space
In Scotland, engineers from universities in Scotland and Japan are planning to boldly go where no dram has gone before with the launch of a new research project to distil whisky in space. The researchers are planning to send whisky-making materials into space aboard a tiny satellite and use an artificial ‘tongue’ to taste tiny changes in the tipple’s terpenes as it orbits the Earth.
The project aims to test for the first time how the complex chemistry of whisky-making is affected by the harsh environment of space. Their findings could help pave the way for orbital factories where molecules which are difficult or impossible to synthesise on Earth can be manufactured for use in new medications for conditions like diabetes, cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.
Category: Research
