Business Wars Business Battles | Cola Space Race: One Giant Sip for Mankind | 3
May 18, 2020
In 1984, the cola war heats up as Pepsi threatens Coca-Cola's dominance. To reclaim its edge, Coca-Cola embarks on a secret mission with NASA to create a zero-gravity soda can. The rivalry intensifies as Pepsi scrambles to keep pace. Discover how the fierce competition leads to thrilling test flights and unexpected challenges aboard the Challenger shuttle, sparking a unique cola space race that aims to change the way astronauts enjoy their drinks.
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Coke's Secret Mission
- In June 1984, Ashish Gupta from Coca-Cola embarked on a secret mission to NASA's Johnson Space Center.
- His goal was to develop a can that could dispense Coca-Cola in zero gravity, aiming to make Coke the first soda in space.
Pepsi's Objection
- Max Friedersdorf, Pepsi's VP of public affairs, learned about Coke's collaboration with NASA and lodged a strong objection.
- He hinted at Pepsi's political connections, suggesting ramifications if Pepsi wasn't included in the space program.
Coke's Can Test
- In March 1985, NASA scientists tested Coca-Cola's zero-gravity can on the Vomit Comet.
- The can, designed to dispense cola in weightlessness, passed the test and was approved for a space shuttle flight.