A well-known chef created and packaged these meals for the astronauts. They are shown here next to the same meal freshly prepared to be eaten on Earth.

A well-known chef created and packaged these meals for the astronauts. They are shown here next to the same meal freshly prepared to be eaten on Earth.

Science Background

Each meal prepared for space costs an average of $100, mostly due to packaging and testing. It can take six to eight months for food scientists in the lab to develop and test a new food item.

Before You Move On

  • 1. Compare and Contrast What is food like in space compared to on Earth?

  • 2. Inference What do you think it is like to prepare a meal in space?