There is one big difference between mealtimes in space and on Earth. On Earth, the plates stay on the table! Compare this to what Ed Lu writes about eating in microgravity.

From the Journal of Ed Lu

“We don’t have a real kitchen up here, but we do have a kitchen table. You might wonder what use a table is if you can’t set anything down on it. But we have bungee straps and Velcro on the tabletop so you can keep your food containers, spoon, napkins, etc. from floating away.”

A family shares a meal on Earth.

A family shares a meal on Earth.

Astronauts share a meal on the International Space Station (ISS).

Astronauts share a meal on the International Space Station (ISS).

In Other Words

  • bungee straps and Velcro things to hold down the food

  • etc. etcetera, also

Before You Move On

  • 1. Compare and Contrast How are mealtimes on Earth and in Space similar? How are they different?

  • 2. Visualize Describe what you think a typical meal in space would be like.