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Initial space food was limited to bite-sized cubes, freeze-dried powders, and semi-liquids in tubes, which were often unappetizing and hard to manage in microgravity.
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
The Gemini missions improved food with gelatin-coated cubes to reduce crumbling and easier-to-rehydrate freeze-dried foods, including options like shrimp cocktail and butterscotch pudding.
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
The Apollo missions introduced hot water for easier food rehydration and the use of utensils. Thermostabilized pouches allowed for a broader menu.
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
Skylab featured a dining area with a table, allowing astronauts to "sit" and eat with regular utensils. It had a large menu and storage facilities, including a freezer and refrigerator.
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
Space shuttle food included a range of items such as rehydratable soups and cereals, thermostabilized entrees, and natural snacks. Foods are packaged for easy handling in microgravity and are selected based on nutritional needs.
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
The International Space Station (ISS) uses a menu cycle that repeats every eight days, with a mix of U.S. and Russian foods. Packaging is single-service and disposable, reducing the need for dishwashing.
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
Space food is prepared on Earth and packaged in ways that accommodate microgravity. Options include rehydratable, thermostabilized, irradiated, and natural form foods.
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Astronaut diets are designed to meet all nutritional requirements, but specific adjustments are made for space, such as limiting iron intake and supplementing vitamin D due to the lack of sunlight.
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For long-duration missions to other planets, space food will include items with extended shelf lives. Surface missions will potentially involve growing crops like potatoes and soybeans and cooking fresh food on-site.
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In the ISS, food management includes careful planning and sampling by astronauts, with a focus on maintaining health through a balanced diet. Packaging and disposal are also adapted to the space environment
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Did you know these interesting things about space food?
Credits: Flickr