MCLEAN, Va. – 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.
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.”
"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."
Astronauts Commander Luca Parmitano and Christina Koch with Milk and Cookies - Courtesy: NASA
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.
About Hilton
Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 24 world-class brands comprising more than 8,300 properties and over 1.25 million rooms, in 138 countries and territories. Dedicated to fulfilling its founding vision to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality, Hilton has welcomed over 3 billion guests in its more than 100-year history, was named the No.1 World's Best Workplace by Great Place to Work and Fortune and has been recognized as a global leader on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices for seven consecutive years. Hilton has introduced industry-leading technology enhancements to improve the guest experience, including Digital Key Share, automated complimentary room upgrades and the ability to book confirmed connecting rooms. Through the award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors, the more than 200 million Hilton Honors members who book directly with Hilton can earn Points for hotel stays and experiences money can't buy. With the free Hilton Honors app, guests can book their stay, select their room, check in, unlock their door with a Digital Key and check out, all from their smartphone. Visit stories.hilton.com for more information, and connect with Hilton on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.
About DoubleTree by Hilton
DoubleTree by Hilton is a fast-growing, global portfolio of nearly 700 hotels with more than 155,000 rooms across 58 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 iconic, 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, 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.