Space nutrition in the modern world is becoming accessible and mere mortal. It can be ordered in the online store, as well as make an application for a factory where they produce special food in tubes.
Where are cosmic dishes made?
Space food products are produced at the Biryulevsky plant. He specializes in the development of specialty foods. Today, the main task of the laboratory is to create rational nutrition kits for emergency situations, fighters of the Russian army, as well as for spacecraft pilots. The factory also fulfills orders for mass consumption by special order.
Factory History
In the 1940s, the government of the Soviet Union decided that it was necessary to create an enterprise in order to provide fighters at the front with meat products. A few years later, the space nutrition laboratory began to produce food concentrates.
Over the years, the plant developed, and the percentage of output grew. The list of products expanded. At the same time, centers were created where scientific issues and tasks for the production of experimental nutrition were solved. Biryulevsky Space Power Plant has been expanding:
- new specialized food workshops were opened for astronauts;
- the development and production of food was conducted for those who fell into an emergency in open waters;
- introduced technologies for the production of canned food;
- maintaining and issuing rations for the needs of the armed forces, government agencies and the Ministry of Emergencies;
- mastered and technology of fast food.
Special food
The first space flights did not last long - about six hours. During this period, the space nutrition plant investigated which food is more suitable in zero gravity, and so on. It turned out that ordinary earth food causes astronauts a large number of problems in the absence of gravity. Thus, the scientific community came to the conclusion that space nutrition is simply necessary. Today, the plant produces 90% of the total balanced nutrition for the crew, except for cheeses, fish and bread products. This food is of exceptional quality, as it is made from natural raw materials without harmful chemical additives: preservatives, thickeners and other stabilizers.
The criteria of "cosmoids"
Developing a balanced diet for long-distance flights is not an easy task. Specialized space power must meet several criteria in order to become useful to spacecraft members. First of all, nutrition must be balanced and tasty, and it must be physiologically useful, nutritious and easily digestible. Secondly, food should be conveniently consumed in zero gravity. In this paragraph, the requirements for the parameters apply: good packaging, ease of use and minimum cleaning. Crumbs in the absence of gravity are very dangerous! Thirdly, the weight of the product should be minimal. High demands are also placed on storage conditions. Food in the package should be easy to open. Trash should be kept to a minimum!
Space ruler
Today, the factory in Biryulyovo has developed a product line in five areas:
- Porridge and dinner dishes: various soups, cereals with various additives.
- Jelly that saturate with minerals and vitamins.
- Cereal cereals that do not require cooking: buckwheat, rice, oat, barley and so on.
- Cereals for instant cooking.
- Flour products: cookies, pancakes and even cakes.
Therefore, if the astronaut was suddenly hungry, he could eat not only the broth from the tube, but also chocolate paste, tea, and much more! By the way, today space food is not packaged in tubes, but in plastic bags.
Features of the menu on the spaceship
Today, two superpowers (Russia and the USA) have entered into an agreement on a parity basis, according to which food is delivered on board. A tasting is held at the Cosmonaut Training Center in two countries, only then the product is included in the astronaut's diet. They are asked to rate the product on a 10-point scale. If the Cosmo-eater scored five or less points, then it will no longer be delivered to the ship. Nutrition scientists pay a lot of attention to astronauts, who will take off for the first time. Since during the expedition taste changes occur. It happens that the most unloved food becomes on board the most delicious!
The astronauts say that in orbit they eat almost the same as on Earth. Borodino bread, rugs, berries, fruits and vegetables, as well as tea drinks and coffee, were added to their menu. Tubes begin to disappear from space. Food is laid out in banks.
Space development for earthlings
We tell readers another interesting fact. The astronauts used tubes not only to eat, but also as a syringe for an injection. But few earthlings know that tablets in blisters were developed in the 60s of the twentieth century precisely for the crews of spaceships.
Zelenka or iodine in the form of a felt-tip pen in a pharmacy is a common thing. But then again, the “medical marker" was developed in the interests of the military and space industries.
Conclusion
The development and production of food for astronauts is a very important and difficult task. Severe space conditions, storage and delivery problems require special packaging of the product. A specific work in space awaits a special balanced diet for astronauts. Do not forget that food can improve mood, this factor applies to the crew of the spacecraft. Therefore, such food requires the attention of different specialists at the same time: confectioners, cooks, physiologists, engineers and nutritionists!