As the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Artemis II mission continues its historic 10‑day journey around the Moon, attention has turned to how the four‑member crew is staying fuelled in deep space. Unlike missions to the International Space Station, Artemis II has no option for fresh supplies or resupply, making its onboard food system critical to mission success. According to NASA, the Artemis II crew has access to several unique menu items, carefully selected to meet nutritional requirements, maintain morale, and work within the constraints of life beyond Earth orbit.
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189 Food Items Packed for Deep‑Space Travel
NASA says all food onboard Artemis II is shelf‑stable and designed to remain safe throughout the mission. Items fall into three main categories:
Freeze‑dried foods, rehydrated using potable water onboardThermostabilised meals, which are heat‑processed for long storageReady‑to‑eat items, consumed directly from their packaging
Each astronaut participated in taste‑testing and menu selection ahead of launch, choosing foods they preferred while meeting strict nutritional guidelines.
Main Food Items Astronauts Will Eat
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The menu features a mix of comfort foods, plant‑based dishes and protein‑rich meals. Some of the most commonly consumed items include:
Tortillas (58 in total)Wheat flat breadVegetable quicheBreakfast sausageCouscous with nutsMango saladGranola with blueberriesAlmonds and cashewsBarbecued beef brisketBroccoli au gratinSpicy green beansMacaroni and cheeseTropical fruit saladButternut squashCauliflower
Tortillas are preferred over traditional bread because they do not produce crumbs, which can be hazardous in microgravity.
Drink Options Aboard Artemis II
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NASA has stocked more than 10 beverage choices, including both comfort drinks and nutrition‑focused options:
CoffeeGreen teaMango‑peach smoothieChocolate breakfast drinkVanilla breakfast drinkStrawberry breakfast drinkLemonadeApple ciderPineapple drinkCocoaFive Hot Sauces And Multiple Condiments
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NASA notes that astronauts often experience changes in taste and smell, making condiments essential. Artemis II includes:
Five different hot saucesMaple syrupChocolate spreadPeanut butterAlmond butterSpicy mustardStrawberry jamHoneyCinnamon
These allow astronauts to customise meals despite limited cooking capability.
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How Much Coffee Will The Crew Drink?
NASA estimates that the Artemis II crew will consume 43 cups of coffee during the mission.
Desserts Included For Comfort
Representational Image: Unsplash
Sweet options onboard include:
PuddingCobblerCakeCookiesChocolateCandy‑coated almonds
All food aboard Artemis II is pre‑selected by the astronauts, who took part in extensive taste‑testing ahead of launch. NASA says these food systems will inform menus for future lunar missions and eventual journeys to Mars.
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