Space BBQ: A Culinary Leap for Humanity | Weather.com
How Did Astronauts Cook Chicken and Steaks in Space?
A groundbreaking achievement has been made by a crew aboard the Tiangong Space Station: they've cooked chicken wings and steaks in space, marking the first-ever space barbecue.
By Jenn Jordan (https://weather.com/bios/news/jenn-jordan)
3 hours ago
Barbecue in Space?
Imagine floating in the vastness of space, gazing at Earth through a porthole, and inhaling the tantalizing aroma of fresh barbecue. This isn't a sci-fi fantasy; it's a reality achieved by Chinese astronauts aboard the Tiangong Space Station.
Thanks to a newly delivered hot-air oven, humans have officially 'barbecued' in orbit. But how does it work without fire? This innovative oven circulates hot air evenly in microgravity, where heat naturally doesn't rise. It's a marvel of engineering, designed to meet strict safety and emission standards in space.
The oven can reach temperatures around 375°F, which is significantly faster than previous space cooking methods. Chicken wings, for instance, can be ready in just 28 minutes, a vast improvement over NASA's 2020 prototype cookie oven, which took over two hours for a single treat.
Space cuisine has evolved significantly since the early days of freeze-dried meals. Bread was off-limits due to the risk of floating crumbs damaging equipment or causing physical harm. Today, the Tiangong station's menu offers nearly 200 items, including nuts, cakes, fresh vegetables, and now meals cooked in orbit.
This milestone is part of the Shenzhou-21 mission, which saw Chinese astronauts stay at Tiangong for six months to conduct experiments, test new technologies, and expand China's long-term human presence in orbit. During their stay, astronauts are responsible for various tasks, from operating the station's systems to conducting scientific research, including studies on plant growth and the effects of microgravity.
The new culinary upgrades align perfectly with life aboard the station. Astronauts have been growing their own lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and sweet potatoes in the onboard vegetable garden. Now, with the new oven, they can transform these fresh veggies into delicious dishes.
The aroma of chicken wings in orbit is a significant step towards making space feel more like home. While a floating pizza party might be a future dream, this achievement is a testament to human ingenuity and our ability to adapt to the challenges of space exploration.
