What do astronauts eat while on the ISS?

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Detailed Solution

Astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS) eat a carefully planned diet designed to keep them healthy and strong during their time in space. Their meals include freeze-dried foods, thermostabilized pouches, snacks, and specially packaged drinks. The food is lightweight, easy to store, and made to last for several months in microgravity conditions.

Types of Food Astronauts Eat on the ISS

Food Type	Examples
Freeze-Dried Meals	Scrambled eggs, pasta, chicken curry, and stews
Thermostabilized Foods	Soups, beef stew, lentils, fish, and rice dishes
Snacks	Nuts, dried fruits, granola bars, and chocolate
Beverages	Coffee, tea, fruit juices, electrolyte drinks
Fresh Food (Limited)	Occasional fruits, vegetables, and tortillas sent on cargo resupply missions

Important Facts About Space Food

No fresh bread is allowed because crumbs can float and damage equipment; astronauts eat tortillas instead.
Food is eaten with spoons and special pouches to avoid spillage in microgravity.
Meals provide balanced calories, vitamins, and minerals to prevent muscle loss and bone weakening in space.
Sometimes astronauts grow and eat fresh vegetables, like lettuce and chili peppers, grown in space experiments.

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