Haven’t we all wondered what it’s like in the outer world? The urge has always been quite fascinating for most of us. Perhaps, that is why all those books, pictures and documentaries about the world of space intrigued many of us. Isn’t it? In recent times, the world of astronomy has progressed and discovered many facets of the universe. Not just new planets or moons, but also about foods astronauts can or cannot eat in the outer world. And the foodie in me just can’t keep calm. If you, like me, have also wondered what do the astronauts eat when they are in space, good news is that we finally have the answers, thanks to NASA.
From fruits, brownies, macaroni and spaghetti to candies, nuts and peanut butter, astronauts can enjoy all these when in space. These foods are packed separately to avoid spoilage, and that’s not all. According to the official NASA website, you also get an oven in space stations to heat up the food. And while we have seen multiple videos from space featuring what they eat (remember an astronaut made tacos in space?), not much has been spoken about the foods that are banned in space stations. NASA states, foods that need refrigeration do not make it to the space station as “there is no refrigerator in space”. Surprised? Read on about what all includes in the list of banned foods in the space.
Here’s a list of some easily available foods (on earth) that can’t make it to space. Curated by The Franklin Institute - one of the most celebrated science and technology museums in the US - this list is sure to surprise you. Take a look.
1. Salt And Sugar
Yes, two of the most common, most needed ingredients on earth are not allowed in space in their original forms. This is because astronauts can't sprinkle salt and pepper on their food in space. The salt and pepper would simply float away which can cause air vents to clog, contaminate equipment or get stuck in an astronaut's eyes, mouth or nose. However, they are taken to space in their liquid form.
Image: Freepik
2. Bread, Cookies And Crackers
Bread is generally avoided in space as it lacks the required shelf life. Moreover, the loose crumbs of breads, cookies and crackers too can float in space, like that of salt and sugar, and get stuck to the sensitive equipment.
3. Soda
The website of Franklin Institute explains that the carbonation of sodas acts differently in space than on Earth. “The carbon dioxide bubbles remain within the liquid as opposed to being released as a gas for an effervescent pop,” the website reads.
4. Alcohol
Alcohol is prohibited in many professions for the same reason as it is for astronauts, especially from NASA. It is mainly because orbiting earth is a 24*7 jobs that need utmost concentration, which consumption of alcohol can intervene in.
5. Ice Cream
Intrigued? As per Franklin Institute website, astronaut ice cream is one of the most popular gift items at any science museum souvenir shop, but there is no evidence of it being flown to space. The website states that the ‘dehydrated’ ice cream has a brittle and crumbly nature that can actually make for a dusty environment in microgravity.
