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Mumm Cordon Rouge Stellar: The First Champagne in Space

On July 24, 2025, Mumm Cordon Rouge Stellar made history by returning to Earth after its maiden voyage into space. On June 25, it was launched from Florida as the first champagne designed for zero gravity environments. The mission wasn't just a technical success; it encapsulated nearly a decade of research and development dedicated to pushing boundaries, continuing the innovative spirit of Maison Mumm since its founding in 1827.

Journey to Innovation

The project to send Mumm Cordon Rouge Stellar into space began in 2017 when Maison Mumm assembled a team of experts to reimagine champagne for the unique conditions of space. This team included Octave de Gaulle, founder of SPADE; the French National Centre for Space Studies (CNES); and ESA astronaut Jean-François Clervoy, who has participated in three NASA missions. The first prototype was unveiled in 2018, which led to various technical and enological observations. These insights informed the design of a second prototype that was developed in 2022, meeting stringent safety and tasting specifications for zero-gravity conditions.

In collaboration with Axiom Space, Mumm Cordon Rouge Stellar was prepared for a series of test missions. The final pre-launch test was a successful zero-gravity flight that took place in March 2025.

A Pioneering Mission

On the historic launch day, the Ax-4 mission was commanded by former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson and featured an international crew. The mission successfully returned on July 15, 2025, with the champagne bottled intact and in perfect condition. In just a few months, Master Cellar Master Yann Munier will open the first champagne that journeyed into space.

This accomplishment signals not just a technological triumph but also represents the essence of celebration and shared experiences that champagne has symbolized for centuries, and now it extends into the future of space exploration.

The Significance of Space Champagne

As noted by César Giron, CEO of Maison Mumm, the Mumm Cordon Rouge Stellar project represents more than just the creation of a new champagne; it symbolizes shared values and the art of living that can now be celebrated beyond Planet Earth. While Mumm Cordon Rouge is associated with earthly celebrations, Stellar aims to preserve cultural connections in an entirely novel environment – space.

Similarly, Sébastien Barde from CNES remarked on the importance of fostering human rituals in space missions. By supporting Mumm Cordon Rouge Stellar, they explore how shared experiences can enhance the psychological well-being of crews during long-term missions.

Redefining Champagne and Design

Mumm Cordon Rouge Stellar faced dual challenges in both design and winemaking. The bottle had to adhere to stringent safety standards, ensuring the integrity of the champagne. The futuristic design features a half-bottle secured in a stainless-steel mechanism, along with an aluminum shell of aerospace grade, complete with Mumm's iconic red ribbon. This design not only assures safety but allows champagne to be poured in zero gravity.

For the champagne itself, adjustments were made to suit the unique environment of space. The blend was modified to enhance its aromatic intensity to counter any potential loss of sensitivity typical in space. “We maintained the freshness and strength of Mumm Cordon Rouge while enhancing its aromas through prolonged aging,” Munier explained.

Mumm Cordon Rouge Stellar encapsulates our culture and the memories tied to the ritual of tasting champagne, which is now elevated into the realm of space exploration.

Conclusion

Mumm Cordon Rouge Stellar's journey into the cosmos amplifies the exploratory spirit that has defined Maison Mumm for nearly two centuries. By taking champagne beyond terrestrial limits, they not only celebrate achievements on Earth but also forge new pathways in human experience, culture, and exploration. As we look forward to future missions and celebrations in space, Mumm Cordon Rouge Stellar has set a remarkable precedent in merging tradition with innovation.