Title: The First Soda in Space: When NASA Got Caught Up in the Cola Wars
In 1985, an unexpected event took place that would forever change the way we view space exploration - the first soda in space. This seemingly trivial occurrence was actually a part of a larger battle between two colossal corporations vying for supremacy: Coca-Cola and PepsiCo.
The summer of 1985 saw NASA, under President Reagan's administration, caught up in the middle of this corporate feud. The stakes were high as both companies sought to associate their brand with space exploration, hoping it would boost sales back on Earth. This led them to sponsor separate astronaut teams participating in the Space Shuttle Challenger mission.
Coca-Cola sponsored the crew of STS-51L while PepsiCo backed the team for STS-61A. The plan was simple yet effective - whichever soda brand made it to space first would gain bragging rights and potentially win over more customers on Earth.
The race reached its climax when both teams launched their respective missions within days of each other. It wasn't long before Coca-Cola emerged victorious, with astronauts from STS-51L enjoying a can of Coke in space first. This victory was short-lived though as tragedy struck just 73 seconds after launch when the Challenger exploded, claiming the lives of all seven crew members on board.
Despite this tragic outcome, the cola wars continued to play out in other arenas. PepsiCo eventually managed to send their own soda into space during a later mission, but it was too little too late as Coca-Cola had already secured its place in history.
Looking back at this event now, one cannot help but wonder about the implications of such corporate involvement in what should have been purely scientific endeavors. While these companies may have thought they were simply engaging in friendly competition, their actions ultimately tarnished NASA's reputation and diverted attention away from its primary mission - exploring space for the betterment of humanity.
In conclusion, while the first soda in space might seem like a trivial event, it serves as an important reminder that even seemingly innocuous decisions can have far-reaching consequences. As we continue to explore new frontiers, let us remember to keep our focus on what truly matters - advancing knowledge and benefiting all of humanity.
Source: [Original Article](https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/29/science/coke-pepsi-nasa-space-shuttle.html) #first
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