Quotes from Live Science, January 9, 2024
By Kiley Price
Researchers evaluated different “space meals” and concluded that a hearty vegetarian salad is the best and most delicious option for male astronauts.
The challenge of maintaining a balanced diet becomes even more daunting when you’re dealing with long-haul missions in space, as it is already quite difficult on Earth. Despite the progress made in space-based agriculture, the task of growing fresh crops in space remains challenging due to the added mass that comes with storing food and water in a spacecraft, ultimately weighing down the vessel as it departs from orbit.
In a recent study, scientists conducted research on meals that are nutrient-dense and suitable for long-term space travel, particularly for missions to Mars. The aim was to find options that not only meet the nutritional requirements of astronauts but also offer a more enjoyable taste compared to the current alternatives.
In order to determine the ideal meal for male astronauts, they conducted tests on a total of 10 dishes. Providing space travelers with the best meal options would not only ensure they receive the necessary calories and variety of nutrients during their odysseys, but it would also incorporate crops that can be grown in space with minimal water usage.
According to their study, which was published on December 13th in the journal ACS Food Science & Technology, it was ultimately determined that the most satisfying space meal was a hearty kale salad.
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