Originally published on 4/2/26

Four astronauts blasted off into space last night, and one question on everyone’s mind is, “What in the world are they going to eat while stuck in space for 10 days?” Will they eat ramen like Ryland Grace in Project Hail Mary or will they only  have access to freeze-dried food? Well, NASA just released the menu from the Orion spacecraft carrying the Artemis II mission crew, and it’s filled with some delicious and maybe even nutritious options. Read on for more. 

A look at the food on the Orion spacecraft 

According to NASA, the Orion spacecraft has 180 menu items, including more than 10 types of beverages like coffee, lemonade, apple cider and a variety of breakfast drinks. They also have 58 tortillas, five varieties of  hot sauce, pasta, fruits, vegetables, meats and five Canadian products for Canadian Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen. All of the items are ready-to-eat or rehydratable, meaning the crew will use the ship’s potable water dispenser to rehydrate foods and beverages. They also have access to a compact, briefcase-style food warmer, which will allow them to heat up their meal of choice. 

“The food flying aboard Artemis II is designed to support crew health and performance during the mission around the Moon,” NASA said. “With no resupply, refrigeration or late-load capability, all meals must be carefully selected to remain safe, shelf-stable and easy to prepare and consume in NASA’s Orion spacecraft. Food selections are developed in coordination with space food experts and the crew to balance calorie needs, hydration and nutrient intake while accommodating individual crew preferences.” 

“Fresh foods will not be flying on Artemis II as Orion does not have refrigeration nor the late load capability required for fresh foods,” the organization continued. “Shelf-stable foods help manage food safety and quality throughout the intended shelf life in a compact, self-contained spacecraft, while also reducing the risk of crumbs or particulates in microgravity.” 

NASA also shared that all four crew members—Hansen, Pilot Victor Glover, Commander Reid Wiseman and Mission Specialist Christina Koch—had a say in what food was available onboard. 

“Crew members sample, evaluate and rate all foods on the standard menu during preflight testing, and their preferences are balanced with nutritional requirements and what Orion can accommodate,” the space organization said. “Final, crew-specific menus are set well before launch. Two to three days’ worth of food for each crew member is packed together in a single container, providing flexibility for meal selection during the mission.” 

When does the Artemis II mission crew eat? 

Since time can be a little disorienting in space, knowing when to eat can be hard for the astronauts. To avoid this, NASA says the “astronauts have scheduled time for breakfast, lunch and dinner.” 

“Each astronaut is allotted two flavored beverages per day, which may include coffee,” the organization explained. “Beverage options are limited due to upmass constraints, which restrict how much food and drink can be carried onboard.” 

Speaking of beverages, NASA also shared that they think it will take 43 cups of coffee to power the Artemis II mission crew. That averages out to about 1 cup per person per day. 

Will there be sweet treats on board? 

No meal is complete without a sweet treat, and NASA knows it! On the Orion there are cookies, cakes, cobblers, pudding, candy and chocolate, all of which will not only help fuel the astronauts but also give them a little dose of happiness each day.

Link to original: https://www.womansworld.com/food-recipes/food-news/nasa-reveals-artemis-ii-space-food-menu-with-180-items