On mankind's collective first trip to the moon in 1969, NASA allowed Buzz Aldrin to drink communion wine, but during the intervening half-century, NASA instituted a strict "no alcohol" rule. From a practical perspective, it makes sense: No one wants an intoxicated astronaut at the helm of the $150 billion International Space Station (ISS) rocketing through space at over 17,000 mph.

Aside from the obvious safety issues, there are scientific reasons alcohol isn't allowed. Ethanol, the main ingredient in alcohol, is considered to be a volatile compound that could damage the delicate equipment found in the tight confines of the ISS; yet another reason space is a no-drinking zone. However, beer and whiskey have been sent into space for research.

Astronauts discovered that bubbles of carbon dioxide (aka carbonation) can't rise to the top of the liquid, so instead, they remain randomly spread throughout the beer, which results in a foamy mess. The lack of gravity also slowed down the aging process in the whiskey, making it taste like smoked fish, rubber, antiseptic-tinged smoke, and other unpleasant things.