The four astronauts aboard NASA’s Artemis II mission aren’t dining on freeze-dried ice cream, but rather a surprisingly varied menu featuring 189 distinct items. The crew – Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Jeremy Hansen, and Christina Koch – will consume 58 tortillas, 43 cups of coffee, and a generous supply of hot sauce during their ten-day lunar orbit.
Why Tortillas Dominate Space Cuisine
Tortillas have become a staple in space travel for a simple reason: they contain crumbs. In zero-gravity, loose food particles float everywhere, potentially damaging equipment or even being inhaled. Tortillas neatly encapsulate fillings, minimizing mess. This practical advantage makes them one of the most popular choices among astronauts.
Beyond Tortillas: A Warm Meal in Space
This mission represents an upgrade over the Apollo era. Artemis II astronauts can enjoy warm meals thanks to a portable food warmer. Breakfast options include vegetable quiche, scrambled eggs, and couscous, with a muffin thrown in for good measure. The menu also includes macaroni and cheese, beef brisket, and broccoli au gratin for later meals.
Beverages and Comfort Foods
Beyond coffee (over 10 cups per astronaut), the crew has access to lemonade, green tea, apple cider, and flavored breakfast drinks. Five varieties of hot sauce add some kick, while cookies and chocolate provide dessert options. Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen even gets a taste of home: wild keta salmon bites, shrimp curry, maple cream cookies, and maple syrup are among his five Canadian-sourced food items.
Astronaut Input and Menu Testing
NASA emphasizes that the menu isn’t just decided by mission control. The crew provided “direct input” through taste tests, balancing their preferences with nutritional needs and the constraints of the Orion spacecraft. This collaborative approach ensures astronauts actually enjoy their meals while in orbit.
The Artemis II mission’s menu highlights the practical and psychological considerations of space travel. Food isn’t just fuel; it’s a connection to home, a source of comfort, and a necessary part of maintaining morale during extended missions.
