How Fresh is the Food in the International Space Station?
The International Space Station (ISS) is home to astronauts who represent a diverse array of nationalities and backgrounds. One of the primary challenges they face is the freshness and variety of their food supply. This article explores how the food is prepared, stored, and served aboard the ISS, and the efforts made to ensure that astronauts have access to fresh and nutritious meals during their extended missions.
Preservation Techniques and Freshness
According to Colonel Chris Hadfield, a former commander of the ISS, most of the food served on the station is prepared on Earth by nutritionists. These foods are then vacuum-packed to extend their shelf life without the need for refrigeration. Typically, vacuum-packed foods can last between 6 to 9 months, providing astronauts with a reliable supply until their next resupply mission.
Food Preparation and Storage
The ISS has a number of specialized food preparation and storage units. One of them is a warming oven that resembles a metallic silver travel suitcase. This device allows astronauts to reheat meals without needing a microwave. The lack of a fridge means that perishable items such as milk are not a standard part of the diet. Similarly, items like bread are prohibited because they can produce crumbs, which can be problematic in microgravity.
Astronauts use Tupperware-like drawers to store their food, with some packages equipped with velcro to prevent them from floating away while they eat. The absence of a traditional dining table means that astronauts eat while standing or sitting on a special eating station, using utensils including plates, forks, knives, and spoons. Finger food is a common preference, and tortillas, crepes, and tacos are popular options due to their non-crumbly nature.
International Cooperation and Trade
The ISS is an international collaborative venture, and the food supplies are no exception. The Russian segment of the station, in particular, has its own fresh delicacies that are often shared with the rest of the crew. Astronauts routinely trade and exchange these delicacies for items from the U.S. or European segments, creating a dynamic and communal dining experience.
Personal Care Packages
Astronauts also receive care packages from family members, which are highly valued and well-guarded. These packages often include personalized items and sometimes special treats that can bring a bit of Earth to space. Notable among these was ESA astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti, who not only brought a fresh espresso machine to the station but also fixed it when it broke down. Her dedication to maintaining the machine is a testament to the importance of such amenities for the wellbeing of astronauts.
Additional Resources and Interesting Facts
To learn more about food preparation and consumption on the ISS, watch some of the selection of food preparation videos from the station on YouTube. The European Space Agency (ESA) has produced some of the most engaging and informative videos, such as those from the ISS food preparation series.
Your interest in this topic also might be piqued by the process of vacuum packing food, which is crucial for space missions. To deepen your understanding, you can explore the Wikipedia entry on vacuum packing.
For a comprehensive look at the efforts to grow food in space, watch the ESA Euronews video on growing food in space and the story of astronaut Luca Parmitano and his space journey, including a visit by the robotic astronaut Paxi.