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Nutella Jar Floats on Artemis II, Goes Viral
7 Apr
Summary
- A jar of Nutella was spotted floating in the Orion spacecraft.
- The unexpected passenger appeared as the crew broke a distance record.
- NASA confirmed the appearance was not a product placement.
As the Artemis II crew ventured farther from Earth than any humans previously recorded, a jar of Nutella was observed floating inside the Orion spacecraft. This surprising moment occurred shortly before Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, Mission Specialist Christina Koch, and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen surpassed the distance record previously established by Apollo 13 in 1970.
The visual rapidly gained traction on social media, prompting lighthearted commentary that Nutella had now technically traveled further into space than any other entity. Some users speculated about a significant, unplanned product placement opportunity for Ferrero, the company behind Nutella.
However, NASA addressed these suggestions directly. Agency press secretary Bethany Stevens stated that NASA does not select crew meals in association with brand partnerships. She clarified that the appearance of the Nutella jar was not a product placement. The Artemis II crew reportedly has a varied menu, including items like barbecue beef brisket and macaroni and cheese, with the Nutella seemingly intended for mid-mission consumption.
