The upcoming Artemis II mission will feature a surprisingly diverse and carefully planned menu for its astronauts, including items like mango salads and spicy green beans. This culinary selection is designed to support the crew’s health and performance throughout the 10-day mission.

Culinary Curiosity Sparked by Crew Conversation

A recent conversation between the Artemis II crew and astronauts aboard the International Space Station ignited interest in the food astronauts will enjoy in space. When asked about breakfast, the Artemis II crew revealed the inclusion of unexpected items like mango salads and spicy green beans.

A Meticulously Planned Menu

NASA confirmed that the Artemis II menu boasts 189 unique items, all shelf-stable and designed for easy preparation in microgravity. This eliminates the need for refrigeration or late-load options. Victoria Segovia, a NASA public affairs specialist, highlighted the practicality of including 58 tortillas, a spaceflight staple due to their versatility and crumb-minimizing properties.

Beyond Breakfast: A Diverse Food Selection

The Artemis II menu extends far beyond breakfast, offering a variety of options to cater to different tastes. Common breakfast choices include breakfast sausage, wheat flatbread, vegetable quiche, and granola with blueberries.

Main courses will feature barbecued beef brisket, broccoli au gratin, and mac and cheese, alongside the spicy green beans. The menu also incorporates a variety of fruits and vegetables, such as tropical fruit salad and butternut squash, to ensure nutritional balance.

Beverages and Personalization

Astronauts will consume three meals a day (excluding launch and re-entry days) and enjoy two flavored beverages daily, including coffee and lemonade. The crew is expected to drink a total of 43 cups of coffee during the mission. While beverage options are limited, over 10 different drinks will be available.

Each meal can be personalized with five different types of hot sauces or other spreads like maple syrup, spicy mustard, peanut butter, and honey. All meals will be either ready-to-eat, rehydratable, thermostabilized, or irradiated for safe storage and consumption in space.

Prioritizing Nutrition and Well-being

The detailed planning of the Artemis II food menu underscores the importance of nutrition and culinary diversity for astronaut well-being and mission success. NASA’s focus on providing high-quality, shelf-stable, and enjoyable meals reflects a commitment to supporting the crew throughout their journey.