Space food

For the growth of food plants in space, see Astrobotany.
An example of food eaten on the International Space Station. Note the use of magnets, springs, and Velcro to hold the cutlery and food packets to the tray.
Food and tray from the Skylab era (1973–74)

Space food is a type of food product created and processed for consumption by astronauts during missions to outer space. Such food has specific requirements to provide a balanced diet and adequate nutrition for individuals working in space while being easy and safe to store, prepare and consume in the machinery-filled weightless environments of crewed spacecraft. Space food is commonly freeze-dried to minimize weight and ensure long shelf life.

In recent years, space food has been used by various nations engaging in space programs as a way to share and show off their cultural identity and facilitate intercultural communication. Although astronauts consume a wide variety of foods and beverages in space, the initial idea from The Man in Space Committee of the Space Science Board in 1963 was to supply astronauts with a formula diet that would provide all the needed vitamins and nutrients.[1]

  1. ^ Working Group on Nutrition and Feeding Problems. The National Academies Press. April 1963. doi:10.17226/12419. ISBN 978-0-309-12383-9.