After experiments to make space travel more
welcoming and hospitable, the iconic cookie becomes a star at the
National Air and Space Museum
DoubleTree by Hilton made history when its signature, warm
chocolate chip cookie became the first-ever food baked in space, in
experiments designed to make long-duration space travel more
welcoming and hospitable. Today, the famous chocolate chip cookie
baked aboard the International Space Station (ISS) has landed at
the National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in
Chantilly, Virginia.
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Courtesy of: Smithsonian’s National Air
and Space Museum
The first-of-its kind experiment in 2019 marked Hilton as the
first hospitality company to participate in research aboard the
ISS. DoubleTree by Hilton partnered with Zero G Kitchen, creator of
appliances for microgravity use in long-duration space flights, and
Nanoracks (now part of Voyager Space), a global leader in
commercial space exploration to help develop an oven suitable for
space travel. After several days of experimentation, the DoubleTree
chocolate chip cookie earned its distinctive place in space
history, sending its signature fresh-baked aroma wafting throughout
the Space Station.
In 2020, the DoubleTree chocolate chip cookie returned from
orbit for testing by food scientists. The cookie’s journey
continued after returning to Earth, as it made its way from the
Johnson Space Center to Virginia before finding its new home in an
air-tight exhibition box at the National Air and Space Museum.
“We are thrilled to display DoubleTree by Hilton’s chocolate
chip cookie as the first-ever food baked in space by astronauts,”
said Dr. Jennifer K. Levasseur, museum curator, Department of Space
History, National Air and Space Museum. “Innovations like baking
could make even longer duration missions in space much more
enjoyable, and sustainable, so DoubleTree’s historic space cookie
is a natural choice to represent this development in the Udvar-Hazy
Center’s display of space food.”
Sending DoubleTree hospitality into orbit was fitting, said
Shawn McAteer, brand leader, DoubleTree by Hilton, who noted that
Hilton has a long history of interest in space travel, with Barron
Hilton even announcing plans for the Lunar Hilton, a hotel on the
moon during the height of the Space Race.
“Hospitality and innovation are two strands of Hilton’s DNA, and
we are beyond honored to be the first hospitality company involved
in historic research aboard the International Space Station and to
now have the DoubleTree cookie on display in the Smithsonian,”
McAteer said. “When people hear the DoubleTree cookie was the first
item successfully baked in outer space, we hope they not only
celebrate the experiment, but get an understanding that DoubleTree
is deeply committed to providing warm and caring service, all
starting with our signature welcome and iconic chocolate chip
cookie."
The space-traveling cookie is currently on display at the
Udvar-Hazy Center, located at 14390 Air and Space Museum Parkway,
Chantilly, in Fairfax County Virginia. It will become part of a new
exhibit, At Home in Space, anticipated to open at the museum’s new
building in Washington, D.C., in 2026. Travelers can sample an
original, warm DoubleTree chocolate chip cookie or a DoubleTree
allergy-friendly chocolate chip cookie at all U.S. DoubleTree by
Hilton locations, including when staying at DoubleTree by Hilton
Hotel Sterling – Dulles Airport, less than 15 minutes from the
museum.
To learn more please visit Stories From Hilton where you can
also read about the DoubleTree by Hilton’s Cookies in Space
Initiative and the history of DoubleTree’s original warm chocolate
chip cookie.
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About DoubleTree by Hilton
DoubleTree by Hilton is a fast-growing, global portfolio of over
680 hotels with more than 155,000 rooms across 56 countries and
territories. For more than 55 years, DoubleTree by Hilton has
continued to be a symbol of comfort for business and leisure
travelers around the world, from welcoming guests with its
signature, warm DoubleTree chocolate chip cookie, to serving the
local community. DoubleTree by Hilton offers contemporary
accommodations and amenities, including unique food and beverage
experiences, state-of-the-art fitness offerings and meetings and
events spaces. Experience a positive stay at DoubleTree by Hilton
by booking at doubletree.com or through the industry-leading Hilton
Honors app. Hilton Honors members who book directly through
preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits. Learn
more about DoubleTree by Hilton at
stories.hilton.com/doubletree, and
follow the brand on Facebook, Twitter/X and Instagram.
About Smithsonian
The Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum maintains the
world's largest and most significant collection of aviation and
space artifacts, encompassing all aspects of human flight, as well
as related works of art and archival materials. It operates two
landmark facilities that, together, welcome more than eight million
visitors a year, making it the most visited museum in the country.
It also is home to the Center for Earth and Planetary Studies. The
National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., is located at
Sixth Street and Independence Avenue S.W. and is open every day
except Dec. 25 from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Admission is free, but
timed-entry passes are required to visit. The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy
Center is located in Chantilly, Virginia, near Washington Dulles
International Airport. Admission is free, timed-entry passes are
not required, and parking is $15.
About Voyager Space
Voyager Space is dedicated to building a better future for
humanity in space and on Earth. With over 35 years of spaceflight
heritage and over 2,000 successful missions, Voyager is powering
the commercial space revolution. Voyager delivers exploration,
technology, and defense solutions to a global customer base that
includes civil and national security agencies, commercial
companies, academic and research institutions, and more.
About Zero G Kitchen LLC
Founded in 2018, Jordana and Ian Fichtenbaum started Zero G
Kitchen with the goal of bringing hospitality to the next frontier.
Having launched a small oven to the International Space Station in
2019 in partnership with DoubleTree by Hilton, it baked the
first-ever cookies in space and inspired many with the idea that
space travel could be delicious. Zero G Kitchen's ongoing mission
is to support and fulfill a new generation of space travelers with
delicious food and engaging experiments.
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Julie Marshall Hilton Julie.Marshall@Hilton.com