Fratello cigars’ journey to the moon
Long read, but I thought it was interesting.
From CRA Article:
THE LUNAR LEGACY: FRATELLO CIGARS’ JOURNEY TO THE MOON
February 21, 2024 / Cody Carden
From Neil Armstrong’s immortal words, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind,” uttered as he first set foot on the lunar surface during Apollo 11, to the awe-inspiring vistas captured by the cameras of Apollo 17, NASA’s Moon program captivated the imagination of millions. Each successful landing heralded a new zenith in exploration, pushing the boundaries of possibility and igniting the dreams of future generations to reach for the stars.
Today, few endeavors in human history rival the grandeur and spirit of exploration embodied by NASA’s Apollo Program. This monumental venture stands as the pinnacle of human achievement in space exploration, encapsulating the human race’s collective brilliance, bravery, and resolve. However, since 1972, America has not landed on the Moon. Last Thursday, February 15th, however, signified the dawn of our renewed endeavors to return to the Moon. With a resounding roar, a Falcon 9 rocket, launched by SpaceX and carrying Intuitive Machines’ Odysseus lander, pierced the Florida sky, embarking on its trajectory toward the Moon.
Onboard Odysseus were NASA instruments tasked with studying the lunar environment, testing vital technologies for future missions, and an unexpected representative of the premium cigar community—the logo of Fratello Cigar Company, founded by former NASA project analyst turned cigar maker Omar de Frias.
If successful, Odysseus’ trailblazing efforts will mark the first American spacecraft to touch the lunar surface in over half a century, and Fratello will secure its place in history as the first premium cigar company to make its mark on the Moon.
About Fratello Cigars
In 2013, Omar de Frias held a pivotal role overseeing a team in NASA’s Science Mission Directorate (SMD), managing the integration and execution of SMD’s substantial $5 billion annual budget. Despite the demanding nature of his professional commitments, de Frias found solace and inspiration in an enduring childhood memory: premium cigars.
Raised in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, de Frias grew up alongside a neighborhood cigar shop, where he was captivated by the charismatic figures who frequented it. This nostalgic connection sparked his deep-rooted fascination with the time-honored tradition of premium cigars. To de Frias, cigars represent more than just a product; they embody a rich cultural heritage. From the lush tobacco fields of Latin America to the artisanal craftsmanship of open-air factories and the cozy ambiance of traditional tobacco shops, he felt a calling to establish his brand.
While still at NASA in 2013, de Frias founded Fratello Cigar Company. Rooted in a steadfast commitment to excellence and fueled by a passion for innovation, the company swiftly gained recognition for its exceptional blends and forward-thinking branding. As the company experienced sustained growth and afforded him a measure of stability, de Frias boldly decided in 2016 to depart from his role at NASA to focus all of his energy on his ever-expanding company.
How Fratello Cigars Hitched a Ride to the Moon
Throughout NASA’s history, cigars have symbolized triumphant celebrations for successful space missions. From the iconic images of legendary NASA flight director Gene Kranz commemorating Apollo triumphs to the poignant scenes of NASA employees honoring the historic Space Shuttle program as Atlantis made its final touchdown, cigars have held a special place in the hearts of astronauts, mission control personnel, and NASA employees alike. These cherished moments, steeped in camaraderie and shared among colleagues and friends, serve as reminders of the unwavering dedication, collaborative spirit, and bold determination required to propel humanity beyond the confines of Earth’s atmosphere and into the cosmos.
During his tenure at NASA, de Frias earned a reputation as “the cigar guy” among his colleagues. Among the close friends de Frias shared cigars with at NASA was Steve Altemus, the former deputy director of the Johnson Space Center. In 2013, Altemus departed NASA to found Intuitive Machines, Inc., the company behind the Odysseus lander.
NASA later awarded Intuitive Machines a contract to transport research, science investigations, and technology demonstrations to the Moon through the Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program.
To commemorate this momentous achievement, Altemus turned to his friend de Frias, requesting him to craft a cigar honoring the landmark launch. Without hesitation, de Frias accepted the challenge, setting out to create a new brand that encapsulated the spirit of exploration.
Over the next two years, de Frias poured his heart and soul into the project, leaving no stone unturned in his quest to celebrate the historic event appropriately.
His endeavors culminated in the Fratello Lunar line, boasting three distinct blends: the Lunar Connecticut, the Lunar Cameroon, and the Lunar Dominican Puro. Crafted at the La Aurora Cigar Factory, each blend acknowledges the occasion. Notably, the packaging of the Lunar Dominican Puro mirrors the lunar lander itself, while all packaging proudly incorporates the Intuitive Machines logo.
To express his gratitude, Altemus made a surprise gesture for his friend. As a tribute to de Frias and the Lunar line, Altemus integrated the Fratello logo onto the exterior paneling of the Odysseus lander. This collaborative feat marks Fratello as the first premium cigar company to venture into space, setting sights on becoming the first to land on the lunar surface if all goes as planned on February 22nd.
Odysseus’ mission, though brief, holds immense importance. With a duration of just a week, its primary goal is to collect vital data crucial for the upcoming Artemis missions, which aim to bring astronauts back to the Moon in the coming years.
In the annals of history, Odysseus will stand as a resounding testament to America’s triumphant return to the Moon, symbolizing our nation’s unmatched ingenuity and unwavering determination. This remarkable lander embodies our shared commitment to pushing the boundaries of exploration beyond Earth, deepening our understanding of the cosmos. And what better way to honor these monumental achievements than with a great cigar, a cherished moment of reflection and camaraderie amidst the vastness of space.
