This page describes an image What and How Do Astronauts Eat in Space?
Image caption:
Part of the Simplifying Astronomy for Arabic Speakers project, this infographic explains how astronauts eat in space and the special requirements for their meals.
How Do Astronauts Eat in Space?
In microgravity, traditional meals don’t work. Food must be specially prepared to stay edible, easy to consume, and free from floating crumbs that could damage equipment. Instead of plates and cutlery, astronauts eat from sealed packages using special utensils.
Key Characteristics of Space Food
✔ Tasty & Varied – To keep astronauts satisfied.
✔ Compact & Lightweight – Saves storage space and reduces payload weight.
✔ Mess-Free – No crumbs that could float and cause issues.
✔ Long Shelf Life – Must last for extended missions.
Types of Food in Space
1. Fresh Food – Fruits & vegetables (eaten quickly).
2. Natural Food – Nuts, dried fruits.
3. Freeze-Dried – Rehydrated before eating.
4. Oil-Coated – Helps preserve freshness.
5. Dehydrated – Water is removed, then re-added.
6. Thermostabilized – Packaged for long-term use.
How Astronauts Prepare Food
1. Rehydration – Adding hot water to dried meals.
2. Heating – Using small ISS ovens.
3. Careful Opening – Prevents food from floating away.
Space Food Menu on the ISS
Steak – High-protein for muscle maintenance.
Scrambled Eggs – Nutritious and easy to prepare.
Juices – Sealed to prevent floating.
Chocolate Pudding – A favorite treat.
Tortillas – Preferred over bread to avoid crumbs.
Who Prepares Space Food?
Food scientists design and test meals on Earth to meet safety and nutrition standards before they are sent on missions.
Final Thoughts
Eating in space is a challenge, but innovative food technology keeps astronauts healthy and energized. Every meal is carefully planned to support long-duration space exploration!
Scroll to captions in other languages
Image credit:
Ali Al-Edhari
Related glossary terms:
Astronaut
, Space Station
Categories:
Space Exploration
Image license: Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) icons
The media file captions presented on the OAE website were written, translated and reviewed by a collective effort from the OAE, the OAE Centers and Nodes, the OAE National Astronomy Education Coordinators (NAECs) and other volunteers. You can find a full list of credits for our translation project here. All media file captions are released under a Creative Commons CC BY-4.0 license and should be credited to "IAU OAE". The media files themselves may have different licenses (see above) and should be credited as listed above under "credit".
If you notice a factual error in this caption or an error in any of its translations then please get in touch.
Captions in Different Languages:
