Food is the most basic requirement of humans but in space, choice is limited now let us know food items banned in space for astronauts. To ensure the safety of both the space station and astronauts, certain food items are restricted from being brought on board. These measures are in place to maintain a secure and controlled environment during space missions. So, space tourists are also not allowed to bring these food items. There is a list of some forbidden foods in space.
Food Items Banned In Space
(1) Alcohol
In space, alcohol is strictly prohibited for NASA astronauts, as it’s seen as conflicting with the idea of purity that astronauts represent. However, Russian Cosmonauts have a tradition of enjoying limited quantities of alcohol in space.
(2) Pizza
Even though it’s not officially prohibited food items in space, astronauts can bring pizza. However, the problem is that they can’t get that crispy crust, and it always turns out soggy or chewy in the zero-gravity environment.
(3) Soda
In space, sodas fizz in a unique way compared to on Earth. The bubbles of carbon dioxide stay in the drink instead of making that bubbly sound we’re used to. This can make astronauts feel uneasy in their stomachs, so Coke and Sprite are kept on Earth.
(4) Salt and Pepper
In space, you can’t sprinkle things like salt, pepper, or seasonings as you would on Earth. If you try, these tiny particles just float around instead of landing on your food. It’s not ideal because the salt and pepper could end up causing problems like clogging air vents, contaminating equipment, or even getting into an astronaut’s eyes, mouth, or nose, so these food Items are banned in space. To solve this, NASA has come up with liquid alternatives for astronauts to use.
(5) Bread
Bread has been a forbidden food in space because it doesn’t hold up well in terms of structure and shelf life needed for space food. Instead, astronauts often go for tortillas. Traditional bread, along with crackers, cookies, and such, doesn’t do too well up there. They tend to float around, causing potential problems like flying into an astronaut’s eyes or messing with important equipment. That’s why, if you look at any spacecraft heading out of orbit, you’ll see tortillas in use instead of bread. So Bread, cookies, and crackers are on the list of food items banned In space.
(6) Ice Cream
According to the Franklin Institute website, astronaut ice cream is a hit at science museum souvenir shops, but there’s no proof it has been taken to space. Despite its popularity, the website explains that the ‘dehydrated’ ice cream has a brittle and crumbly texture that could create a dusty mess in microgravity, potentially interfering with sensitive equipment. So, while it’s a favorite gift item on Earth, it seems to stay grounded and not venture into the actual space travel experience.
Read Also Pawan Kumar Chandana: Meet the Elon Musk of India
Read Also What happens to an astronaut’s dead body when they die in space?
