Thanksgiving in Space: A Space Traveler's Harvest Feast
There is no shortage of wonderful family gatherings, warm cozy air, and plentiful feasting during Thanksgiving. Envision the smell of roasting turkey, the laughter resonating with a home, and, of course, each participant sharing what they are most thankful for. Now put that scene on steroids, orbiting thousands of miles about our planet. The imagery is quite a contrast. The challenge with celebrating holidays in space is the unique set of issues. However, astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) find creative ways to hang on to tradition and express gratitude as they orbit the Earth. Logistics of a Cosmic Thanksgiving Food Preparation and Storage Transporting food to space is not as easy as packing a cooler. All food items must meet specific NASA guidelines for safety and nutrition. The maximum weight for food supply on missions is limited, and each astronaut receives an allocation of about 3,000 calories per day. Generally, food choices are packaged to minimize wa...