Nutella Flies Across Artemis II Spacecraft in Viral Moment Caught on Livestream

**Nutella’s Out-of-This-World Fame During Artemis II Mission**

The iconic chocolate hazelnut spread, Nutella, has found itself at the centre of internet excitement following a viral moment during NASA’s Artemis II mission. Captured floating in microgravity aboard the Orion spacecraft, Nutella became a surprising star during a livestream on 6th April, just before the crew embarked on the longest journey ever undertaken by humans into space.

The brief but memorable footage showed a jar of Nutella gliding effortlessly past astronauts, igniting instant reactions online. One enthusiastic viewer declared it as “the best Nutella commercial ever,” a sentiment that resonated with many. The brand itself soon joined in the fun, sharing the clip on social media platform X and proclaiming, “Nutella is out of this world.” They cheekily added, “Honoured to have travelled further than any spread in history, taking spreading smiles to new heights.”

Nutella was one of 189 carefully selected food items on the ten-day Artemis II menu, curated to cater to the preferences of the crew while adhering to crucial nutritional and operational requirements. A NASA spokesperson emphasised the significance of these personal choices, stating that familiar foods like Nutella can boost crew morale and enhance the overall acceptability of the mission’s culinary offerings.

While the menu featured a “chocolate spread,” it did not specifically mention Nutella, making the floating moment even more exciting for followers. Victoria Segovia, a NASA public affairs specialist, explained that personal preferences are critical in menu planning and that each item must meet standards for nutrition and safety.

The Artemis II menu boasted a diverse array of meals, including vegetable quiche, barbecued beef brisket, and mango salad. It was imperative that all dishes be shelf-stable and easy to prepare in the challenging conditions of microgravity, where resupply or refrigeration was impossible. Among other sweet options, the crew could enjoy desserts such as cobbler and pudding, alongside a selection of spreads like peanut butter, strawberry jam, honey, and almond butter.

In a nod to practicality, the mission featured 58 tortillas, a longstanding favourite in spaceflight. Segovia highlighted their versatility, ease of consumption in a zero-gravity environment, and the minimal crumbs they produce compared to traditional bread. This feature allows astronauts greater freedom to enjoy a varied diet without the nuisance of leftover crumbs.

The crew of Artemis II was also equipped with two flavoured beverages each day, including coffee, along with three scheduled meals — an important aspect of maintaining routine and social interaction in space. Artemis II crew member Jeremy Hansen expressed the importance of shared meals, stating, “Eating together really resonates with me. I think it’s just a human thing.”

Christina Koch, another crew member who had attempted to store the Nutella jar before it became a viral sensation, remarked, “It represents togetherness and something a little out of the ordinary. It’s like a camping trip.” This sentiment beautifully encapsulates the unique experience of dining in space, tying back to their shared humanity.

Launched on 1st April 2026, the Artemis II mission has since achieved the remarkable milestone of traversing the furthest point humans have ever reached in deep space. The mission aims to orbit the far side of the moon and return, serving as a vital test of the Orion spacecraft’s operations for future lunar expeditions.

As we witness space exploration evolve, moments like the Nutella floating in microgravity highlight the intersection of human experience, branding, and scientific accomplishment. The charm that this beloved spread has brought to the mission serves to remind us of the joys of food, even in the vastness of space.