The galley is where food is stored and prepared. In the early days of space travel, astronauts had to eat semi-liquid mush that was squeezed through a tube like toothpaste. Thanks to developments in food-dehydration and food-packaging techniques, todayÕs astronauts are offered a wide selection of menu items.

The standard menu on board the Shuttle has been designed to supply the crewmembers with all the nutrients they need to stay healthy. Fun snacks like candy, nuts, and cookies are also provided. Most of the food is precooked or made in such a way that it doesnÕt need to be refrigerated. The fresh fruit and vegetables, however, must be eaten within the first two days of the mission, otherwise they begin to spoil.

The galley contains a water dispenser and an oven for heating food. Some menu items need to be rehydrated before they can be eaten. The food is eaten straight out of the containers with regular forks and spoons.

Click to open the galley and explore the food menu.