8 Foods Banned in Space by NASA: The Cosmic No-Fly List – News18
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NASA’s food restrictions aren’t just about convenience; they’re about safety and efficiency in a zero-gravity environment
Lunar Trailblazer weighs about 200 kgs. (Photo Credits: X)
Space travel may seem like an exciting adventure, but astronauts have to follow strict dietary rules while aboard the International Space Station (ISS). NASA carefully selects food for space missions based on nutrition, ease of consumption, and safety. Some foods are outright banned due to potential risks such as contamination, difficulty in handling, or dangers posed by crumbs floating in microgravity. Here are eight foods that NASA has officially or unofficially banned from space:
1. Bread
Bread might be a staple on Earth, but in space, it’s a big no-no. The reason? Crumbs. In a microgravity environment, crumbs from bread can float around and get into sensitive equipment, clog air filters, or even be inhaled by astronauts, posing a choking hazard. Instead, NASA provides astronauts with tortillas, which are easier to handle and create minimal mess.
2. Salt and Pepper (in Shaker Form)
Salt and pepper in their usual granular form are problematic in space because they don’t fall onto food—they float away. If these tiny particles get into the spacecraft’s ventilation system, they can cause malfunctions. To address this, NASA provides astronauts with liquid salt and pepper, which can be safely applied to meals without scattering.
3. Carbonated Beverages
Soda and other carbonated drinks don’t behave well in microgravity. Without gravity to separate gas from liquid, the carbonation and liquid remain mixed, leading to bloating and discomfort for astronauts. This phenomenon, known as ‘wet burping,’ is both unpleasant and impractical, so NASA has banned carbonated drinks from space missions.
4. Fresh Milk
Milk is another banned item due to its perishable nature. Without refrigeration, fresh milk would spoil quickly in space. Instead, astronauts use powdered or ultra-pasteurized milk that has a longer shelf life and can be reconstituted with water.
5. Alcohol
Although some early Soviet space missions allowed alcohol, NASA has a strict no-alcohol policy on the ISS. Alcohol can impair judgment, affect coordination, and interfere with the spacecraft’s water recycling system. Additionally, since water is precious on the ISS, recycling urine is a necessity—alcohol in the system could disrupt this process.
6. Leafy Greens (Fresh Lettuce, Spinach, etc.)
Leafy greens are difficult to manage in space because they are fragile and can wilt quickly. Small bits can float away and clog filters or ventilation systems. However, in recent years, astronauts have successfully grown and eaten space-grown lettuce in controlled environments, proving that fresh greens may one day be a part of space diets.
7. Ice Cream (Traditional Version)
While freeze-dried ‘astronaut ice cream’ is a popular souvenir on Earth, real ice cream is not practical in space. It requires freezing, which isn’t energy-efficient for space missions. Plus, it would melt and create a sticky, floating mess. NASA occasionally sends small amounts of frozen treats in resupply missions, but it’s not a staple on the ISS.
8. Fish and Other Strong-Smelling Foods
Fish and other odorous foods are banned or limited because smells don’t dissipate as easily in the enclosed environment of a spacecraft. Strong scents can become overwhelming in the confined quarters of the ISS, making life uncomfortable for everyone onboard. Additionally, strong-smelling foods might impact astronauts’ ability to taste other meals properly.
NASA’s food restrictions aren’t just about convenience; they’re about safety and efficiency in a zero-gravity environment. Every food item must be carefully chosen to ensure astronauts stay healthy, well-fed, and free from potential hazards. While some of these bans might be lifted as technology advances, for now, these eight foods remain grounded while astronauts explore the final frontier.
