The nutrition of astronauts in space is monitored by both NASA and the Food and Drug Administration to ensure it meets the Recommended Dietary Allowances of vitamins and nutrients to provide the necessary energy for work in space. The food must also be safe, correctly processed and specially packaged to endure the weightless conditions of space travel. Careful attention is given to variety, taste and the menu preferences of astronauts.
Nutritional Diversity and Balance
Astronauts select their foods five months before their flight from food choices previously evaluated for nutritional content by dietitians.Their choices are further scrutinized for sufficient calorie content and balance of nutrients before being sent to the Flight Equipment Processing Contractor in Houston for preparation and packaging.
Although all beverages must be re-hydrated in space, not all space food is dehydrated. Fresh food lockers contain food that must be eaten within a few days, such as bananas, oranges, apples, carrots, celery sticks, breakfast rolls, fresh bread and tortillas. Because commercial tortillas spoil after seven days in space, a tortilla that remains fresh for six months has been developed. Most entrees and desserts are freeze-dried, and all nutrition must be almost salt-free to counter osteoporosis in space.
Packaging
Beverage packages, according to NASA, are made from foil laminate to increase shelf life. They contain septum adapters after adding the beverage powder to interface with the water dispenser on board. Similar re-hydratable food packages contain a flexible bowl and lid with a septum to add water. Velcro on the bottom keeps it fastened to the meal tray. Water is added and the food is eaten with a fork or spoon or placed in an oven if the food is to be hot. Space treats include Neopolitan ice cream frozen to -40°F, vacuum dried and packaged in a polyfoil pouch.
Preparation Time in Space
Food in space can be prepared quickly and easily. Set-up for a meal for four takes five minutes. The reconstitution and warming of food takes another 20 to 30 minutes, much less than cooking the meal.
Taste
Astronauts in the Space Shuttle program can choose from 250 menu items. Emphasis is placed on comfort foods, such as beef stroganoff and macaroni and cheese, and tasty foods such as chicken fajitas, teriyaki chicken and curries. Because in microgravity food aromas do not travel well, astronauts find they need spicy foods and plenty of condiments. Although astronauts can request cookies, candy, fruit or special beverages, breads, chips and crackers are discouraged because crumbs can clog air filters. Carbonated beverages are forbidden because bubbles of carbon dioxide can cause abdominal distress because they tend to remain in the body.
Member Comments