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Indian Dishes Approved For Space: Whenever an astronaut goes on a space mission, one question is always a matter of curiosity. The question that comes to mind is what do people who go to space eat? Taking food to space is not as easy as eating it at home.

When it comes to taking food items to space, they are tested against strict quality and safety standards, such as non-perishability, nutritional value, bacteria-free and easy to eat in microgravity.

Recently, Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla told during an interview that for his historic Axiom-4 mission, DRDO’s Defense Food Research Laboratory i.e. DFRL had prepared many Indian dishes including khichdi, pulao, vegetables, but after investigation, only three Indian dishes were allowed to be taken.

Space Food (Photo.Social Media)

Which were the Indian foods that reached space?

• Sweet made with carrot

Gajar Ka Halwa, a popular dish made in every home as the winter season sets in, was one of the three Indian dishes to reach space. It was designed in such a way that it remains safe for a long time and does not get damaged during space missions. Gajar ka halwa became a better option to maintain the sweetness in the space.

Space Food (Photo.Social Media)

• Moong Dal Halwa

Moong dal halwa was also given permission for space travel. Moong dal contains protein and is highly digestible. It is an energy packed traditional Indian sweet. Shubhanshu Shukla told that it reached space with him and his fellow astronauts liked it so much that it was not left for them.

Space Food (Photo.Social Media)

• mango juice

Mango juice, a summer favourite, also became the third Indian food item to reach space. However, it was prepared with special technology, so that both its quality and taste remain intact.

Space Food (Photo.Social Media)

Why permission was not given to Pulao and Khichdi?

Shubhanshu Shukla told that DFRL had also prepared Pulao, Khichdi and many other Indian dishes. But there was not enough time to test them, so they could not be certified.

On what scales is Indian food measured before sending it to space?

• Remaining safe for months without spoiling.
• Completely free from harmful bacteria.
• Having low sodium and balanced nutrition.
• Packaging should be such that food does not float around in zero gravity.
• Getting security clearance from international space agencies.