Chinese astronauts succeed in grilling in space for the first time

Cooking in space has long been known as one of the challenges faced by astronauts. However, thanks to a new oven system installed on the Tiangong Space Station, astronauts have experienced real cooking for the first time. The hot air oven, brought by the Shenzhou-21 spacecraft, provided the astronauts with the opportunity to prepare dishes such as grilled chicken wings and sautéed meat.

Liu Weibo from the China Astronaut Research and Training Center said, "This oven, which reaches up to 190 °C, does not just heat food; it performs actual cooking. Now, meals can be golden and crispy." Weibo also noted that this development significantly improves the quality of life in space.

The oven is equipped with a special locking system that prevents food from floating in the air. Thanks to a high-heat catalyst and a multi-layer filtration system, cooking can be done without producing smoke. Researcher Xian Yong stated, "No part that the astronauts touch is hot; the risk of burns has been completely eliminated."

Although the cooking time is somewhat long, this development is considered a giant leap in space food technology. For example, it took 28 minutes for the chicken wings to become crispy.

HISTORY OF SPACE FOOD

The experience of eating in space began with Russian cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin, who consumed liver meat puree and chocolate sauce served in a tube. Over time, space food has evolved. Significant progress was made in the storage and preparation of food during the Gemini and Apollo missions. The use of freezers began on the Skylab station, and heating and rehydration systems for food were added to the Space Shuttle.

While astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS) have more diverse menus, the food still may not look as appetizing as it does on Earth. However, this new development on Tiangong takes the dining experience in space to the next level.