As India gears up for its first human spaceflight mission—Gaganyaan—the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has developed a specialized menu of space-friendly Indian food. These ready-to-eat meals are tailored to meet astronauts’ nutritional needs in zero gravity, while offering the comfort and taste of Indian cuisine.
What Is Space-Friendly Indian Food?
Space-friendly food refers to meals that are:
- Dehydrated or thermostabilized to avoid spoilage
- Low in crumbs to prevent floating particles in microgravity
- Easy to open and eat in enclosed spacecraft
- Nutritionally balanced and rich in calories, proteins, and fiber
ISRO’s food scientists, in collaboration with the Defence Food Research Laboratory (DFRL), have created Indian dishes that fulfill all these requirements.
7 Indian Dishes Approved for Space
- Upma – Lightweight and rich in carbohydrates
- Vegetable Pulav – Long shelf life, high in energy
- Idli-Sambar Combo – Dehydrated idlis with powdered sambar to rehydrate in orbit
- Mixed Vegetable Curry – Easy-to-eat pureed format
- Chicken Curry (non-veg option) – High-protein freeze-dried pack
- Chapati Rolls – Vacuum-packed with stuffing to reduce crumbs
- Halwa (sweet option) – Dense texture, zero-waste packaging
These meals are packaged in retort pouches or cans that can be heated in spacecraft-compatible warmers.
Why It Matters
- Gaganyaan Mission (2025): India’s first human spaceflight will send 2–3 astronauts to low Earth orbit for 3–7 days.
- Self-Reliance: Developing in-house space food reduces dependency on foreign technology.
- Cultural Connection: Providing familiar Indian meals supports astronaut morale in space.
- Future Missions: Sets the stage for deep-space nutrition, long-duration lunar or interplanetary travel.
Additional Features
- Shelf Life: Up to 1.5 years
- Portion Sizes: Pre-measured 200–250g packs
- Smart Labels: Color-coded packaging for meal types (veg/non-veg/sweet)
- Minimal Waste: All packaging is recyclable or compressible
ISRO’s Food Research Partners
- DFRL Mysuru: India’s leading institute for defense and space nutrition
- Annapurna Canteens: Trial partners for civilian taste tests
- Private packaging companies: Ensuring high-grade, safe sealing technology
Summary
India is not just sending astronauts to space—it’s taking Indian cuisine with them. ISRO’s space-friendly Indian food reflects scientific precision and cultural pride, offering dishes like idli, pulav, and halwa adapted for zero gravity. These innovations support not just the Gaganyaan mission but India’s broader ambitions in human spaceflight.
