Japan's curiously-named Pocari Sweat is to be sent to the moon, its Japanese maker has said, in what the firm claims will make it the first sports drink on the celestial body.

Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co said it will take part in a private rocket launch in October that is intended to explore Earth's cratered satellite, and hopes to put some of its flagship beverage onboard.

The firm said it got involved with the project after scientists discovered traces of water on the moon.

"We would like to have many people feel that life on the moon could become a reality sometime soon," it said.

The project will be jointly conducted by US Astrobotic Technology and Astroscale, said Otsuka.

Despite its rather unappetising-sounding name, Pocari Sweat is one of Japan's most popular drinks, and can be found in vending machines the length and breadth of the archipelago.