The Artemis II mission's culinary plan reveals a surprisingly diverse menu featuring mango salads, spicy green beans, and other gourmet meals. This article details the carefully curated food selection designed to support the crew's health and performance during their ten-day mission, including shelf-stable, microgravity-friendly meals and a variety of beverages and sauces.

Artemis II Crew's Culinary Delights

On Tuesday, a unique exchange occurred between the Artemis II and International Space Station crews, facilitated by ground control. A casual conversation about breakfast choices highlighted an unexpectedly varied and flavorful menu, including mango salads and spicy green beans.

NASA has meticulously planned the Artemis II crew's food supply, curating a menu of 189 unique items. The primary objective is to enhance crew health and performance during their ten-day mission.

Mission-Specific Food Preparations

This mission does not allow for resupply, refrigeration, or late-load options. Therefore, all meals must be shelf-stable and easily prepared in microgravity with minimal crumbs.

Tortillas are a practical spaceflight staple due to their versatility, ease of consumption in microgravity, and ability to minimize crumbs. Victoria Segovia, a NASA public affairs specialist, noted their importance for flexibility and variety.

Menu Highlights

The menu includes standard breakfast items like breakfast sausage, wheat flatbread, vegetable quiche, and granola with blueberries. Entrees feature barbecued beef brisket, broccoli au gratin, mac and cheese, and spicy green beans.

A wide selection of fruits and vegetables is available, including mango salad, tropical fruit salad, butternut squash, and cauliflower. Astronauts are scheduled to consume three meals daily, excluding launch and re-entry days.

Beverages and Condiments

Astronauts can drink two flavored beverages per day, such as coffee and lemonade, with the Artemis II crew expected to consume approximately 43 cups of coffee during the mission.

Despite onboard space constraints, drink options exceed ten varieties. Each meal can be enhanced with one of five different hot sauces or other spreads like maple syrup, spicy mustard, peanut butter, and honey.

Food Preparation and Technology

Onboard meals adhere to specific preparation methods: ready-to-eat, rehydratable, thermostabilized, or irradiated. The crew can rehydrate meals using Orion's potable water dispenser.

A compact food warmer is available for use when needed, ensuring meals are palatable and safe for consumption in the space environment.

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