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Astronaut Food:  Space has always been a topic of fascination for humankind. It has intrigued people about the ways things work up there and whether human life is possible in space. There have been numerous missions that have taken place over the years, especially past few decades. Space organisations like NASA, ISRO, ESA, Roscosmos and many others have shaped space technologies with modern advancements and the AI phenomenon in the world dynamics. The share of credit for growing space technologies also goes to astronauts, to lead and for being resilient throughout these deadly space missions. One of the most challenging and major concerning aspects of space exploration for astronauts is food.

Astronauts’ diets in space are carefully planned to ensure safety, nutrition, and practicality in a microgravity environment. They eat a variety of foods, but some common items are strictly avoided due to the unique challenges of space. There are only handpicked things astronauts can eat in the zero-gravity environment. To learn more, here’s a list of things astronauts can and cannot eat in space, according to the NASA report.

List Of Food Astronauts Eat In Space:

- Natural Forms: Many food optionss in space are eaten in their natural forms, like fruits and brownies, which are available in their vacuum-sealed form for the astronauts.

- Freeze-Dried Food: Some foods, like spaghetti, macaroni and oatmeal, can also be eaten by astronauts in space. However, all these food items are available in freeze-dried form or in a dehydrated form and require water to be added before eating.

- Thermostabilized Foods: The food options, like canned fish and meat, are heated to destroy harmful microorganisms and enzymes, which allows them to be stored at room temperature for a longer period. Such kind of food options are also common in space.

Also Read: What Are The Things You Cannot Do Normally In Space? Crying, Burping And More


- Additionally,  nuts, granola bars and peanut butter are some of the common ones in space because they are easy to store, eat and are also very nutritious.

- In space,  tortillas are used instead of bread to avoid crumbs, which can be proven hazardous in the microgravity of a spacecraft.

- Oftentimes, astronauts' sense of taste and smell are affected by the dilemma of microgravity. In such times,  condiments like ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise come in handy and are available in squeezable packets in space.

- Salt and pepper are provided in liquid form in space, mainly due to the prevention of floating particles, which are most likely to be dangerous for astronauts.

List Of Food Astronauts Cannot Eat In Space:

1. Bread and chips are avoided in space because they produce crumbs that can float away, clog air vents, or damage equipment.

2. Alcohol is also banned in space due to safety concerns and the need for astronauts to remain alert and clearheaded at all times.

3. Salt, pepper and other granular seasonings are not allowed in loose form in space because they can float and contaminate the spacecraft. Only liquid versions of these products are used in space.

Also Read: Which Astronauts Have Spent The Maximum Number Of Days In Space?

4. Carbonated drinks like soda are not permitted in space because the bubbles do not get separated from the liquid in microgravity, which might lead to digestive discomfort.

5. Astronauts can not even eat ice cream in space because it is crumbly and could damage the space equipment.

6. Food options with strong smells, like fish, are generally avoided because odours linger in the confined environment and can be unpleasant for the crew.

These facts about astronauts' diet in space remind us of the privilege of living on Earth and the hardships astronauts go through for the development of space research. Learning what astronauts eat in space, dietary restrictions, and the science behind space nutrition, awakens us to the restrictions that are needed to ensure for safe, nutritious, and manageable diet in the unique conditions of space.