When Atlantis—which launched for a final time earlier today—returns to Earth in a couple of weeks, NASA will retire its shuttle program. Are you feeling nostalgic? Let's take a look back at some of the great traditions of astronaut food, which will certainly continue as we enter the era of deep-space exploration. Click through for some of our favorite "future foods", but first, some fun facts:
- An oven is provided in the space shuttle and the space station to heat foods to the proper temperature.
- There are no refrigerators in space, so space food must be stored and prepared properly to avoid spoilage, especially on longer missions.
- Condiments are provided such as ketchup, mustard and mayonnaise. Salt and pepper are available but only in a liquid form. This is because astronauts can't sprinkle salt and pepper on their food in space.
- On the first moon walk mission, Buzz Aldrin smuggled a vial of wine and some bread to perform the first outer space communion.
- Russians have over 300 space food items, but there are only 180 items for U.S. astronauts to choose from. Shrimp cocktail is a favorite amongst them!
- The launch control team has a traditional post launch meal, consisting of beans and cornbread. They've been enjoying this after each successful launch, and today was no different.
- And yes, you can even use chopsticks!
