Blog Post #5

Space Food

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The first astronauts NASA sent to space started off eating semi liquids from tubes and freeze-dried foods. The problems with the freeze-dried food is that it was difficult to rehydrate, the food would break off into crumbs and the astronauts had to make sure the crumbs did not get into the instruments. The astronauts complained to NASA about the food and they, somewhat, made the food better. On the Gemini mission, the bite-sized cubes were covered with gelatin so they would not crumble as easily. The freeze-dried food was kept in plastic containers that helped rehydrate the food. With these developments, NASA was able to add items to the space food menu like chicken and vegetables, shrimp cocktail, and apple sauce. During the Apollo program, food developed even more and they were also able to have hot water. In Skylab, NASA designed a table where the astronauts could strap themselves in to sit and eat the food. The astronauts were even able to eat with a fork, knife, and spoon. However, one eating unique eating utensil necessary for space food consumption is a pair of scissors to open up the sealed bags of food. Skylab had ample storage space and a refrigerator and freezer, therefore 72 food items were added to the menu. Each astronaut has a specific diet based on the amount of vitamins and minerals needed for their age, weight, and size.

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When eating in space, a food tray is either attached to the wall or strapped to the astronaut’s lap. The food tray holds all of the food containers.  If there was no food tray, the astronaut would have to eat the food one container at a time because multiple containers would float away. After they are finished eating, the tray and containers are cleaned with pre-moistened towelettes and put away. It takes about 20 to 30 extra minutes than it would normally take on earth to fix a snack because of the rehydration and heating process.  

 

Source: http://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/postsecondary/features/F_Food_for_Space_Flight.html