China Just Launched Bottles of Wine Into Space for an Experiment

China launched a cache of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Pinot Noir vines into space on the orbiting Tiangong-2 lab during this year’s Mid-Autumn Festival on September 15, in an experiment that hopes to yield a sturdier plant by exposing them to the harsh climates and radiation of space. According to DecanterChina.com, scientists hope the experiments will create a vine that is more drought, cold, and virus resistant making the vines more suitable for Chinese weather. The auspicious launch date is perhaps a nod to Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival folklore, as legend tells the story of the moon goddess, Chang’e, levitating all the way in to space after getting drunk on the “elixir of life.” More

(Source: Fortune - Sep 23)