From Tasteless Fare to Culinary Delights in the Final Frontier

Astronauts, confined to limited meal options during space missions, have witnessed significant advancements in food quality since the early days of space exploration. With prolonged missions and plans for lunar and Martian settlements, the importance of palatable and nutritious meals has become paramount.

a standard menu from the United States and Russia, and a bonus menu selected by the astronauts themselves. The bonus menu comprises 15% of all dishes consumed on the ISS.

To ensure the well-being of Japanese astronauts, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has developed specialized foodstuffs that cater to their needs in the zero-gravity environment. These meals must be vacuum-packed with a shelf life of at least 18 months and designed to prevent spills and splatters that could damage equipment.

JAXA-certified space treats have been available since 2007, including packaged curry, yakitori, canned mackerel, and simmered seaweed. Emergency meal maker Onisi Foods Co. provides four products, including Alpha Rice, a wartime military ration that provides cooked rice with just water.

Alpha Rice for astronauts uses a low-amylose rice variety that enhances sweetness and compensates for the dulled sense of taste in space. Nissin Foods Holdings Co., known for its Cup Noodle brand, has also developed space-friendly dishes. Space Ram, a modified version of Cup Noodle, was delivered to the ISS in 2005 and received positive feedback from astronaut Soichi Noguchi. The shorter noodles and thick broth were designed to prevent spillage and enhance flavor.