In a move that marks a milestone for India’s space ambitions, astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla recently took part in a space food tasting session hosted by the Defence Food Research Laboratory (DFRL) in Mysuru. This effort is a key part of India’s preparation for long-duration missions, with ISRO looking to create nutritious, flavourful meals for astronauts in orbit. The session featured over 50 dishes tailored for microgravity, showcasing a blend of innovation and traditional flavours. It also marked the first time an Indian astronaut contributed directly to the evaluation of in-flight space meals.
Shubhanshu Shukla Plays A Key Role In Space Food Trials
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Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, who is part of the Ax-4 crew of Axiom Space, joined scientists at DFRL to sample over 50 Indian dishes made specifically for space travel. The tasting session was aimed at evaluating food options for upcoming space station missions.
The dishes were prepared using advanced preservation methods such as freeze-drying and vacuum-packing, ensuring they remain safe and nutritious for months in zero-gravity conditions. Shukla and other crew members shared feedback on aspects like taste, texture, aroma, and packaging — all vital for the final approval of these space-ready meals.
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Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla’s participation is vital in helping food scientists refine their offerings. His suggestions will shape what future Indian astronauts eat aboard missions like ISRO’s upcoming Gaganyaan programme, as reported by India Today.
Indian Cuisine Reaches For The Stars
The food served during the trial included popular comfort dishes such as dal chawal, rajma, khichdi, and vegetable biryani. Scientists managed to preserve the authentic taste of Indian cuisine while scientifically processing the meals.
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Shukla noted that having familiar and tasty food in space plays a significant role in maintaining morale and mental well-being during missions. These meals are not only rich in essential nutrients but also provide psychological comfort in an isolated environment.
India’s Growing Space Legacy
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The food tasting event marks another step in India’s journey towards crewed space missions. With Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla at the forefront, ISRO and DFRL are working hand in hand to ensure that astronauts not only survive but thrive in space.
As India prepares to send humans beyond Earth, its culture and cuisine are making the journey too — one bite at a time.
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