You're Right! Despite it's connection to the space race, Tang had been available as far back as 1959. Developed by General Foods as an alternative to fresh and frozen orange juice, Tang had only moderate success in the marketplace before blasting off with NASA. Engineers at NASA were looking for a lightweight powder that could provide nutrition and not take up much room on missions- and Tang fit the bill! The orange flavored powdered breakfast juice drink became the astronaut's beverage of choice (what choice did they have though?). Everyone was happy- kids were thrilled they could drink the same Tang the astronauts did, parents were pleased that one glass provided 100% of the daily nutritional requirements of vitamin C and General Foods got rewarded for being the astronauts' friend. Unfortunately, as manned missions wound down so did the interest in Tang. But the good news is that Tang is still available, so you can still enjoy "the drink of the astronauts."