Tag: Astronauts

Before the Apollo 11 launch, astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins shared steak and eggs. This meal was chosen to provide high protein and limit fiber.

Astronauts burn significantly more energy in microgravity, with some needing up to 4,000 calories a day, far exceeding the average Earth-based requirements. The primary reason for why astronauts need so many calories in space is the profound physiological adaptation their bodies undergo to survive in a weightless environment.

Over 300 different food items are available on the menu for astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS), a far cry from the pureed pastes of the early space programs. This vast improvement in variety and palatability showcases the complex engineering involved in addressing the question of how do astronauts eat their food in space.

M&M's were the first candy to travel to space, aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia in 1981, according to the National Air and Space Museum. This marked the beginning of astronauts enjoying treats in microgravity, provided the candies met specific criteria.

The first American to eat in orbit, John Glenn, proved in 1962 that swallowing works normally in space. This initial concern was a popular misconception, but his mission showed that it is possible to eat and swallow food in space with surprising ease, thanks to our body's autonomous digestive system.

Astronauts often report that food tastes different in space. The primary cause is the change in the sense of smell due to the body's response to the environment.

In 1992, the World Health Organization declared spirulina the “Best Food for the Future”. Building on this recognition, NASA has utilized this blue-green algae as a dietary supplement for astronauts on long-duration space missions. But what happens to astronauts who eat spirulina in the unique and challenging environment of space?

According to a 2021 study, the average intake of fruits and vegetables by astronauts was lower than recommended, highlighting the critical role of nutritional countermeasures. When it comes to maintaining their health in an extreme environment, understanding what supplements do NASA astronauts take becomes essential for ensuring their physical and mental well-being on long-duration missions.