Food in the International Space Station Becomes Gourmet.
The first human to consume food in space was Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin, who did so during his brief orbital mission in 1961.
During its early years, the International Space Station has had a rich history related to astronaut food. The first human to eat in space was Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin, who in 1961 consumed a beef and liver paste extracted from an aluminum tube. This experience must not have been very enjoyable.
Over time, the quality of space food has improved significantly. Although some foods still arrive in aluminum foil packets that require rehydration, other options are much more appetizing, even if it's hard to imagine space sushi as a complete meal. French astronaut Sophie Adenot, who will join the ISS next year, will be among the privileged ones to enjoy a menu crafted by Michelin-starred chef Anne-Sophie Pic.
Adenot and her colleagues will have the pleasure of trying ingredients such as parsnip velouté with curry and smoked hake, onion soup with pink peppercorns and gratinated croutons, and lobster soup with crab and caraway, among other appetizers. Besides the conventional meals that tend to be simpler, special meals are occasionally organized on board to foster camaraderie among the crew and provide them with a moment of enjoyment amidst a routine diet. Adenot expressed that sharing food is an opportunity for astronauts to get to know their colleagues' culinary traditions better and highlights the importance of those moments of togetherness.
Developing the menu involves adhering to strict safety regulations for food in microgravity conditions, which means that the dishes must be solid or contained to prevent crumbs or small pieces from floating and obstructing the ventilation systems. Pic emphasized that creating food for space is an exciting challenge that requires innovation and creativity.
Looking to the future, NASA is already researching possible crewed missions to Mars, which includes growing produce in microgravity. This not only provides fresh food as part of a sustainable life support system but also boosts morale among astronauts.
