From hot sauces to cobbler, here’s what Artemis II astronauts are eating

Key Points:

• The Artemis II crew, consisting of four astronauts, has launched successfully and is on a mission to orbit the moon, supporting NASA’s goal of returning humans to the lunar surface by 2028.
• NASA has developed a specialized food system for the mission, featuring shelf-stable meals that meet strict safety, mass, volume, and power constraints, with options for rehydration and warming in microgravity.
• The crew’s menu includes a variety of foods such as nuts, tortillas, barbecued beef brisket, fruits, vegetables, and multiple condiments, with sweet and spicy options, as well as two flavored beverages per day including coffee.
• Food availability varies by mission phase; during launch and reentry, only ready-to-eat foods are available, while freeze-dried meals requiring hydration are accessible during transit when full preparation systems are operational.
• Unlike the International Space Station, which receives regular food resupplies, Artemis II’s mission is self-contained, with meals packed in advance for flexibility and to maintain crew health and performance throughout the flight.