Eating In Space: How Astronauts Prepare Their Meals

By Deepali Verma

August 10, 2024

Preparing food in space comes with unique challenges due to zero gravity. Astronauts rely on innovative techniques to ensure they eat well during their missions.  

Pre-Packaged Meals 

Most space food is pre-packaged and ready-to-eat, designed to be lightweight and nutritious. 

Rehydration 

Dehydrated foods are common. Astronauts add water from the spacecraft's supply to rehydrate meals before consumption. 

Heating Food 

Specialised warmers are used to heat meals since conventional cooking isn't possible in microgravity. 

No Crumbs 

Foods that could create crumbs are avoided, as floating debris can be hazardous in the spacecraft. 

Special Packaging 

Space food is packaged to be easy to open and consume, preventing spills in the zero-gravity environment.