As India prepares to send Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard the Axiom-4 mission, the spotlight is not only on the science and symbolism of the flight but also on the food that will accompany the country’s first Gaganyatri in space.
While most meals aboard the ISS are prepared by NASA, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has ensured that Group Captain Shukla will carry a taste of home with him. Among the specially selected items is mango nectar, a sweet and refreshing drink that will be consumed through a sipper in microgravity.
Also included is Indian rice, which poses a unique challenge in space due to its non-sticky nature. Unlike sticky rice commonly used in other parts of the world, Indian rice grains may float freely in the low-gravity environment, making them harder to manage.
For dessert, Group Captain Shukla will enjoy moong dal halwa, a rich, energy-dense sweet dish that has been carefully packaged for consumption in space.
The packaging and preparation of these dishes have been specially adapted for space conditions, ensuring safety, nutrition, and ease of use.
