NASA clarifies it did not invent Tang drink

Despite a long-standing myth that NASA invented the powdered drink Tang, the agency has clarified that it did not create the formula. Tang was actually developed by General Foods in 1957, prior to its association with space exploration.

NASA adopted the existing commercial product because its powdered form was practical for microgravity environments. During early crewed programs like Gemini, astronauts required foods and drinks that could be easily transported, prepared, and contained within spacecraft packaging. NASA documentation confirms that grape and orange flavored drinks were among the items transported during Gemini missions.

The association between the drink and space travel was significantly bolstered by astronaut John Glenn, helping to turn Tang into a household name.