John Glenn's Historic Meal on Friendship 7
On February 20, 1962, John Glenn became the first American to orbit the Earth. During this mission, he performed a crucial experiment: eating in microgravity. The question of whether an astronaut could swallow and digest food in a weightless environment was a major concern for scientists at the time. For this test, Glenn's menu included applesauce and pureed beef with vegetables, packaged in aluminum tubes. His successful consumption of these items proved that peristalsis works in space. This step paved the way for longer missions and the development of better space cuisine.
Early Space Food: The Mercury Program
Early space food prioritized functionality over flavor. Based on military rations, the menu was limited to providing basic nutrition in a compact format.
- Pureed foods in tubes: Similar to toothpaste, these prevented crumbs.
- Bite-sized cubes: These were coated in gelatin to prevent crumbling.
- Freeze-dried powders: Beverages like Tang were mixed with water and sipped from a pouch.
Mercury astronauts found the food bland. The tubes were disliked for concealing the appearance and smell.
The Evolution of Space Cuisine
As missions grew, the need for better food became clear. NASA improved astronaut meals.
The Gemini Program
The Gemini program saw the end of food tubes. Astronauts used freeze-dried meals in plastic pouches, rehydrated with water. New items included shrimp cocktail and chicken with vegetables. The unauthorized corned beef sandwich brought aboard Gemini 3 by John Young caused a congressional hearing.
Apollo Program
With longer missions, the Apollo era advanced food. Hot water improved taste and texture. Astronauts had “spoon-bowl” packaging to eat with a spoon.
Skylab and Beyond
Skylab featured a galley and table for dining, returning to a communal eating experience. It had a refrigerator and freezer for ice cream. The International Space Station (ISS) offers over 200 items, including international cuisine, liquid seasonings, and fresh produce.
Early Space Food: American vs. Soviet Comparison
| Feature | U.S. Mercury Program (1962) | Soviet Vostok Program (1961) |
|---|---|---|
| Pioneer Astronaut | John Glenn | Yuri Gagarin |
| First Food Item | Applesauce and beef puree | Beef and liver paste |
| Packaging | Aluminum tubes | Aluminum tubes |
| Purpose | To test eating/digesting in microgravity | To test eating/digesting in microgravity |
| Other Food | Water, xylose tablets | Chocolate sauce |
The Future of Space Food
Research focuses on sustainable food systems for long missions. This includes 3D-printed food, which could create meals from powdered components, and growing fresh produce in space using LED lighting. These innovations will ensure astronauts have nutritious meals, a contrast to the pureed applesauce of the early space race.
To learn more, visit the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum website.
Conclusion
Applesauce was part of the first meal eaten in space by an American astronaut, John Glenn, during the 1962 Friendship 7 mission. This confirmed humans could eat in microgravity. Space food has evolved from unappetizing tubes to today's menu on the ISS. The journey of space cuisine shows innovation to sustain human life beyond Earth.
