NASA has unveiled the carefully planned menu for the Artemis II mission, providing a glimpse into the culinary experience awaiting the four astronauts on their 10-day journey around the moon. The menu consists of 189 unique items, meticulously selected to support crew health and performance in the challenging environment of space.

A Conversation Sparked by Breakfast

The discussion began with a conversation between the Artemis II crew and their counterparts on the International Space Station regarding their breakfast choices. This exchange highlighted the importance of food and its role in maintaining morale and well-being during long-duration spaceflight.

Menu Planning for a Unique Mission

Unlike missions with regular resupply options, Artemis II will not have the ability to receive late-loading provisions or utilize refrigeration. This constraint made the initial food selection process even more critical, requiring NASA to prioritize shelf-stable and easily prepared meals.

Variety and Nutritional Balance

The Artemis II menu offers a diverse range of options, encompassing breakfast staples, main course entrees, and a selection of fruits and vegetables. Astronauts will enjoy items like breakfast sausage, wheat flatbread, vegetable quiche, and granola with blueberries to start their day.

Entrees include barbecued beef brisket, broccoli au gratin, mac and cheese, and spicy green beans. Fruits and vegetables like mango salad, tropical fruit salad, butternut squash, and cauliflower add essential nutrients and variety to the diet.

Tortillas: A Microgravity Staple

Tortillas are a key component of the Artemis II menu. Their versatility and ability to minimize crumbs make them a practical choice for consumption in microgravity. This helps maintain a clean and safe environment within the spacecraft.

Beverages and Condiments

The crew will have three meals a day, excluding launch and re-entry days. They will also have access to two flavored beverages daily, including coffee and lemonade, totaling 43 cups of coffee throughout the mission. More than 10 different beverages will be available, and meals can be customized with five hot sauces, maple syrup, spicy mustard, peanut butter, or honey.

Preparing for Consumption in Space

All food items are prepared to be ready-to-eat, rehydratable, thermostabilized, or irradiated, ensuring their safety and longevity. Astronauts will rehydrate food using Orion’s potable water dispenser and utilize a compact food warmer when needed.

NASA’s meticulous planning of the Artemis II menu underscores the agency’s commitment to the overall well-being of the crew. This comprehensive approach ensures that every aspect of the mission, from technical components to nutritional needs, is addressed for a successful outcome.