German astronaut Matthias Maurer shared photos of a nutrition experiment, which is also performed in space. In the photo, Matthias Maurer is joined by Thomas Marshburn, a NASA astronaut part of the SpaceX Crew 3/Exp 66.
Astronaut Matthias Maurer Space Food
The photos were uploaded to Twitter showing what Maurer described as a nutritious experiment.
Maurer noted that he had to do a number of blood draws after a space meal, a certain fasting period, and even a high caloric drink. The experiment, of course, was for a good purpose of helping scientists understand more about the human body.
The experiment was reportedly done for scientists to find out what space travel does to the human body. This was especially for scientists to learn for the betterment of medical progress on Earth. The photos show their meals, space food, and vials of what look to be like their blood draws.
NASA Astronaut Thomas Marshburn
Maurer tagged Thomas Marshburn in the photos.
Although Marshburn might not be too active on Twitter, the last thing that he uploaded was a video of him skipping through the clouds in a T38. The video showed Marshburn at 400 knots at 11,000 feet, which can be quite scary especially due to the lack of visibility.
Eating in space is quite complicated in comparison to eating food on Earth. Due to the lack of gravity, the best way to eat food is somewhat semi-liquid since it won't make a mess, fly around anywhere, and can easily be eaten. This, of course, makes the food look quite weird for those used to regular meals on earth.
Astronaut Diet
According to an article by NASA, the diet in space is also quite different as the caloric requirements differ.
Of course, space isn't the only factor that affects the caloric requirements of astronauts. For instance, a smaller woman might only be required to have a diet of 1,900 calories a day, while a larger man could be required maybe around 3,200 calories.
The good thing about astronauts is that they still get to choose what they can eat aside from just what seems like mushy space food. This means astronauts can still eat nuts, fruits, chicken, peanut butter, beef, candy, seafood, brownies, and more. There are also a number of drinks astronauts can choose from like tea, fruit punches, coffee, juice, and even lemonade.
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Food Aboard the ISS
The food in space comes in certain disposable packages, and the astronauts need to throw them right away after eating. Some of the packaging is actually designed to help prevent food from flying all around space. The food packaging is also designed to be a lot more flexible, and much easier to use.
The food packaging also needs to be able to maximize space whenever the food is stored or disposed into the ISS' food containers. At least with the photo, curious souls have a better idea of what space food looks like.
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Written by Urian B.
