Scientists have brewed beer from barley grown in space. Samplers gave the beverage thumbs up, although there was no difference in the grain's color, size or protein content from that of earth-grown barley.

The barley was grown in the International Space Station as part of a five-month joint experiment by the Russian Academy of Science, Okayama University and Sapporo, a Japanese beer company.

Six-pack sets of the space beer, priced at around US$115 each, will be sold to 250 interested buyers who will be selected by lottery. All proceeds will go to a children's educational science charity in Japan and Russia.

Although the beer will not be seen on future space mission menus due to its alcohol and gas content, it will do some good on earth.