Japanese whisky arrives at the International Space Station

Distillation facilities at Suntory Liquors' Hakushu distillery in Hokuto City, Yamanashi prefecture. - AFP/File / Kazuhiro Nogi

Tokyo (AFP) - An unmanned cargo ship loaded with emergency supplies -- including Japanese whisky -- successfully docked at the International Space Station early Tuesday, officials said.

But thirsty astronauts will have to keep their hands off the golden tipple -- it's a science experiment.