Space Breakfast: What Do Astronauts Eat In Space And Who Delivers Their Groceries?

Working as an astronaut is undeniably tough. The risk is high and the success of a certain project is unsure at times. But it is definitely fulfilling as well. For space enthusiasts and aspiring astronauts, CNBC's coverage on the space program this week was a good opportunity to learn how it's like to live in space. The main highlight was the Kensho New Economy Indices and the coverage can be viewed in their website. Among its significant parts was the discussion about the delivery of groceries to the International Space Station (ISS). Food is a topic of interest for almost everyone and a lot of people would like to know about what astronauts eat in space.

According to CNBC, below are some companies that deliver the groceries (ISS): Esco Technologies, which produces highly engineered fluid control and filtration items necessary for critical systems in space; Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings, which creates solid, liquid, and electronic propulsion systems and components; Jacobs Engineering Group, which works on support systems of space vehicles, space launch systems for NASA, and ISS; Hexcel Corp, which makes structural components and composite materials necessary for NASA telescopes and space launch vehicles; Teledyne Technologies, which works on the design, development, and manufacturing of components for liquid rocket engines, human space flight vehicles, scientific payloads, and ISS operation support; and Orbital ATK, which creates rockets and gives cargo delivery services to the ISS.

Meanwhile, Canadian Space Agency listed the following criteria for food: nutritious, lightweight, compact, tasty, sticky or wet, and processed or pasteurized. There is a permanent ISS menu that consists of three meals and one snack. Additionally, dieticians make sure that all menus contain the required number of calories per day depending on the astronaut's gender, weight, and specific needs. Likewise, there is a standard procedure when it comes to food preparation.

The coverage done by CNBC and the facts presented by the Canadian Space Agency clearly shows that the job of astronauts is associated to various challenging tasks. Apart from their work, there are certain requirements that they need in order to survive living in space. Other companies that work to provide their needs face different challenges as well.