Fresh fruits and vegetables, even in space
Many people think astronauts can't eat fresh fruits and vegetables in space, but actually they can.
Of course, fresh foods cannot be stored for very long compared to other space foods. Although there are limited opportunities to eat fresh food on the ISS, it is possible. Thus far, we have delivered seasonal fruits and vegetables to the ISS, operated cooperatively by a number of countries, via the Transfer Vehicle KOUNOTORI and its successor, HTV‑X.
Here we'll take a look at the fresh foods delivered to space.
Japanese fresh food sent into space
Loading of fresh food began with HTV-5. An express service known as “late access” enables loading immediately before launch and quick removal upon arrival, allowing transport of very fresh foods which cannot be stored for long.
We hope to inform a wider range of people about the activities of astronauts through the familiar theme of food. Making the best use of launching spacecraft from inside Japan and in collaboration with the people from fresh food producing regions, we hope to introduce the world to domestically-produced Japanese fresh foods by sending them into space. With this wish in mind, we have delivered a wide variety of fresh produce to astronauts from many nations.
Fruits
- Japanese pear (produced in Chiba, Niigata)
- Citrus "Unshu Mikan" (produced in Fukuoka)
Vegetables
- Tomato (produced in Fukushima)
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