Later this year, DoubleTree by Hilton's signature DoubleTree
Cookie will earn the distinction of becoming the first food item to be baked in
space.
The experiment will involve a batch of chocolate chip
DoubleTree Cookie dough and a new prototype oven from Zero G Kitchen, which
specializes in appliances for microgravity use during space flights.
Both the dough and oven will be launched in a rocket bound
for the International Space Station (ISS), where astronauts plan to bake about five
DoubleTree Cookies. The cookies will be baked in the week following launch,
with the process recorded via NASA's livestream of the ISS.
Also involved in the project is NanoRacks, a provider of
commercial space access.
According to Shawn McAteer, DoubleTree by Hilton senior vice
president and global brand head, the idea for the stunt was born out of a
social media interaction following Elon Musk's space launch of his Tesla
Roadster and "Starman" dummy last year.
"We have a really great, savvy social media team that
likes to have a little fun from time to time," said McAteer. "So,
they tweeted, 'Hey Starman, do you want a cookie the next time for the ride?'
We didn't hear from Elon, but Zero G Kitchen, which follows Elon and has
developed tech that can actually cook and bake real earth food in space, saw
our tweet. They reached out to us to see if they'd be interested in partnering
with them, which we were delighted to do."
The project will make Hilton the first hospitality company
to participate in research aboard the space station.
The DoubleTree Cookie has been a part of the DoubleTree flag
since 1986, when the brand began giving cookies to guests as part of a turndown
service. In 1995, the brand changed the tradition, offering guests a warm
DoubleTree Cookie upon arrival.
"The DoubleTree Cookie is quite famous and every guest
that checks into our hotel gets a cookie," McAteer said. "It's the
symbol of our brand and a symbol of the warm and comfortable environment we
create."