Food in Space

What do astronauts eat in space?
Let's take a peek at what meals are like in space!

Regular meals, even in space!
What sort of meals keep astronauts going?

Space food provides essential meals for astronauts in space. How do astronauts take in proper nutrition in an environment so different from that on earth? Here we will describe the role of space food, its types, and the Japanese space foods and fresh foods that have actually been delivered to space.

Astronauts from all over the world love Japanese space food

Japanese space food was first developed because Japanese astronauts wanted to eat Japanese food even in space. Here we will introduce Japanese space foods that are loved not only by Japanese astronauts, but also by astronauts from countries all over the world.

Japanese Space Food

Even fruits and vegetables! Fresh foods delivered to space

Fresh foods are also delivered to the International Space Station (ISS) by spacecraft. Here we look at the many fresh foods we have delivered so far, including fruits such as mandarin oranges and apples, and vegetables such as onions.

Japanese Fresh Food

The role of space food

Astronauts Koichi Wakata and William S. McArthur Jr. preparing for a meal ©JAXA/NASA

Space food has many roles. In addition to maintaining nutritional balance to keep astronauts healthy in space, providing them with a wide variety of delicious meals also helps with reducing stress, keeping their spirits up, and maintaining and improving their performance.

Daily calorie requirements for astronauts staying in space for a long time are calculated^※ based on the astronaut's age, sex, and body weight.

* Given by provisions in the ISS Food Plan, a standards document on the provision of space food at the ISS.

Scroll to the side to read more.

Men		Women
18–30 years old	1.7 x (15.3 x body weight (kg) + 679) (kcal)	18–30 years old	1.6 x (14.7 x body weight (kg) + 496) (kcal)
30–60 years old	1.7 x (11.6 x body weight (kg) + 879) (kcal)	30–60 years old	1.6 x (8.7 x body weight (kg) + 829) (kcal)

For example, the allotment is 2,875 kcal for a 45-year-old man who weighs 70 kg, and 2,022 kcal for a 35-year-old woman who weighs 50 kg. These figures are almost the same as the daily calories needed on earth.
When carrying out extravehicular activities, intake is boosted by an extra 500 kcal.

Types of space food

Rehydratable foods

Foods that are eaten after adding cold or hot water. These foods are made using techniques such as freeze drying and spray drying. In addition to items such as rice and noodles, this category also includes powdered beverages such as green tea and soft drinks. Rehydratable foods from other countries include cereal, shrimp cocktails, and coffee.

Thermostabilized foods

Foods such as retort pouch foods and canned foods. These can be eaten directly from the pouch or after heating in the ISS’ food warmer. Types include canned Japanese curry and fish, and yakitori (grilled chicken skewers). Thermostabilized foods from other countries include meatloaf, ravioli, and pudding.

Natural and semi-dried foods

Processed foods that can be eaten as is. These include snacks such as yokan (jellied sweet bean paste), biscuits, candy, and gelatin desserts, as well as seaweed. Space foods in this category from other countries include tortillas, dried fruits, and beef jerky.

Condiments

Condiments for seasoning food, such as mayonnaise and soy sauce. Items from other countries include salt, black pepper, ketchup, mustard, chili sauce, and Tabasco sauce. Salt and pepper, which come in granule form on earth, are made into liquids so they do not scatter in the microgravity environment of space.

Requirements for space food

Safety

Containers and packages must not burn easily
If a container or package burns, it must not produce toxic gases

Long shelf life

Food must be storable for a long time at room temperature

A high level of hygiene

To prevent issues such as food poisoning among astronauts, space food must ensure a high level of hygiene (bacterial types and counts in foods must be at or below standards)

Must not create risks when eaten

Preventing problems with the electrical systems
Spouts and straws that come with sealed food packages must be used to prevent foods containing liquids from scattering
Foods eaten as is must be increased in viscosity and made into sol form (thickened) to prevent scattering.
Ensuring clean air
Food must not produce powder
Food that produces peculiar odors is not suitable