The unexpected spectacle above Waitrose in Bracknell was part of a marketing campaign by the retailer, launching its new creative campaign, The Gastronaut.
The sci-fi-inspired campaign tells the story of an astronaut, Michael, who grows weary of tasteless space food and dreams of a proper meal.
He travels back home and heads straight to Waitrose for his favourite dish—prawn linguine.
The advert positions Waitrose as the home of food lovers, highlighting the idea that food is much more than just fuel.
Nathan Ansell, chief customer officer at Waitrose, said: “We’re sorry to disappoint anyone who was excited by the potential extraterrestrial sighting.
“The video and imagery content is part of our social campaign celebrating the return of Michael, our astronaut food lover who came back to the Bracknell branch for his favourite dinner.
“As a food lover, Michael sees food as more than fuel, but as a source of enjoyment.
“At Waitrose we get it – in fact, we share this love of food.
“We know that our customers would go the extra mile for the food they love, because we would too – from our industry leading animal welfare commitments to our top-quality suppliers and delicious produce.
“Our new Gastronaut campaign perfectly captures this spirit.
“It brings to life the extraordinary lengths food lovers would go to for their favourite food, even travelling across space.
“Food has a powerful way of reconnecting us with the places and moments that matter most.
“If this resonates with you, then you are a food lover and Waitrose is the home for you.”
Waitrose describes the campaign as a story for those who believe food is comfort, joy, creativity, and a way of life—and who would go to great lengths to enjoy the meals they love most.
The campaign also shines a light on the emotional connection people have with certain dishes.
Research commissioned by Waitrose found that the top three meals UK adults would travel home from space to eat are a roast dinner, fish and chips, or steak and chips.
The supermarket chain said it is these familiar, comforting dishes that most strongly evoke the feeling of “home.”
A Waitrose spokesman, or should that be a Waitrose spaceman; said: ” it must have been written in the stars…but we are over the moon our ad has had such an impact.”