Space Food and Nutrition pdf - Virtual Astronaut

International Space StationThe International Space Station (ISS) will becomeoperational on a full-time basis with a crew ofthree. Later, the crew size will grow to a maximumof seven people. The crew will reside in the HabitationModule (HAB). Food and other supplies will be resuppliedevery 90 days by the Multi-Purpose LogisticsModule (MPLM). The MPLM is a pressurized modulecarried in the Space Shuttle payload bay that is used totransport materials and supplies. The food systemdescribed here is for the completed ISS and will be considerablydifferent from the Space Shuttle food system.But until 2004 when the HAB module is launched, ISSresidents will utilize a joint U.S.-Russian food(Shuttle-Mir) system.The fuel cells, which provide electrical power for theSpace Shuttle, produce water as a byproduct, which isthen used for food preparation and drinking. However, onthe ISS, the electrical power will be produced by solararrays. This power system does not produce water. Waterwill be recycled from a variety of sources, but that willnot be enough for use in the food system. Therefore, mostof the food planned for the ISS will be frozen, refrigerated,or thermostabilized (heat processed, canned, andstored at room temperature) and will not require the additionof water before consumption. Although many of thebeverages will be in the dehydrated form, concentratedfruit juices will be added to the beverages offered andwill be stored in the onboard refrigerator.Empty International Space Station food tray.International Space Station food tray (frozen food)Similar to the Space Shuttle, the ISS beverage package ismade from a foil and plastic laminate to provide for alonger product shelf life. An adapter located on the packagewill connect with the galley, or kitchen area, so thatwater may be dispensed into the package. This water willmix with the drink powder already in the package. Theadapter used to add water also holds the drinking strawfor the astronauts. The food package is made from amicrowaveable material. The top of the package is cut offwith a pair of scissors, and the contents are eaten with afork or spoon.Visit http://spacelink.nasa.gov/space.food to see anddownload the ISS Food List.International Space Station frozen food storage:Food will be stowed in pullout drawers, which allowcomplete viewing of drawer contents. Lipped edgeson the food package interface with the storage container,oven, and serving tray.8 • Space Food and Nutrition An Educator’s Guide With Activities in Science and Mathematics, EG-1999-02-115-HQ