A Culinary Journey Beyond Earth: Astronaut Nutrition in Space
In 1961, Yuri Gagarin became the first astronaut to enjoy a meal in orbit, squeezing meat paste from an aluminium tube directly into his mouth. Fast forward to today, astronauts on extended missions still rely on tube-based foods, although they’ve come a long way since Gagarin’s time. Modern astronauts can eat and swallow effectively in the weightless environment, with no adverse effects, despite the meals sometimes lacking in visual appeal.
Over the years, space food has undergone significant advancements. Today’s selection is not only tastier and more visually enticing but also designed to maintain space travellers’ form in zero gravity conditions.
On average, astronauts consume three meals a day while in space, ensuring they take in roughly 2,500 to 3,000 calories daily to maintain their energy levels. Hydration is equally critical, with recommendations suggesting an intake of about 3 to 3.5 litres of water per day.
Food consumed by astronauts includes:
- Packaged Meals: Food is pre-packaged and often dehydrated, vacuum-sealed, or thermostabilized to prevent spoilage. Common food types include fruits, nuts, granola bars, peanut butter, and ready-to-eat meals.
- Rehydratable Foods: Many meals consist of dehydrated ingredients that require water for rehydration. Astronauts add hot or cold water to the food packets to prepare their meals.
- Thermostabilized Meals: These are like canned foods, heat-processed to kill bacteria, allowing them to be stored for long periods without refrigeration.
- Fresh Foods: Occasionally, astronauts receive fresh fruits and vegetables from resupply missions, although these are not as common due to limited storage life.