The Space Food Systems Laboratory produces freeze-dried food and packages commercially available beverage powders, cookies, candy, and other dried goods that the astronauts select for their menus. As an example, beverages start in powdered form and when the appropriate amount of powder is weighed out, the beverage container is sealed at the top with a one-way plastic valve, allowing for water to be directly injected once on-orbit. The Space Food Research Facility produces heat-stabilized foods in pouches, similar to military Meals-Ready-to-Eat (MREs) but developed to support the nutritional needs of astronauts in spaceflight. Food processing techniques and packaging solutions vary based on the item’s perishability and ingredient composition. Space foods that are developed or reformulated are evaluated in the sensory evaluation center, where food scientists evaluate the products’ acceptability and shelf life.
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