How is eating in space different from eating on Earth?
If you send astronauts into space, you have to send along food as well. But what do astronauts eat, and how do they eat it? Scientists take several factors into consideration as they plan meals for space.
First, and possibly most important, is nutrition (营养). Providing junk food to eat, such as potato chips, sodas, and pizza, would make the astronauts unhealthy.
If the food that has been provided is distasteful, then the astronauts may avoid eating it. If you've ever tried to concentrate on something important while your stomach doesn't feel well, you'll know why the scientists in charge of a space mission (task) want their astronauts to eat regularly.
The lack (缺少) of gravity (pull) in a spacecraft also determines what foods can or cannot be eaten in space. Meals must be packaged carefully so they won't spill(洒落/溢出) into the cabin (one of the areas inside a spacecraft). Water or tiny bits of food could get inside a machine or electronic device and damage it. A loose knife bouncing (弹起) around inside the cabin would be dangerous.
The weight of every object included in a spacecraft must be calculated (计算) in order to ensure that there is enough fuel and power to carry the craft safely into space and back home again. Most foods are stored in plastic bags, and often, the foods are dehydrated (使脱水). When an astronaut is ready to eat, hot water is added to the meal and warm it up.
Despite all these requirements, much of the food eaten in space is actually similar to what you might eat on any given day.
A. Taste is also important.
B. Finally, weight is an important concern.
C. Believe it or not, they also have fresh fruits and vegetables.
D. Food packaging is made to be as light as possible.
E. Nutrition and practicality (实用) are important things to consider.
F. Keeping astronauts' physical health is a top task for any space mission.
G. For the same reason, sharp knives and folks are never used on board.
