The International Space Station (ISS) received a much-needed delivery on Saturday, with a Russian cargo spacecraft bringing nearly three tons of essential supplies. Along with food, fuel, and other necessities, the spacecraft also carried a rare treat for the astronauts: fresh fruit.
NASA astronaut Matthew Dominick shared a video of himself enjoying a segment of an orange that arrived on the Progress cargo spacecraft. The video highlights the unique challenges of eating in microgravity, showcasing how food floats and behaves differently in the absence of gravity. Dominick expressed his gratitude for the infrequent treat, stating that the crew celebrates each bite.
While the astronauts enjoy these occasional treats, the majority of their food is still prepared and packaged on Earth. However, NASA and other space agencies are actively researching ways to cultivate leafy greens and other vegetables in microgravity conditions. Growing fresh food in space is a crucial step towards long-duration human missions to Mars and beyond, as it would be impractical to pack enough food for such extended journeys.
Dominick, who arrived at the station in March, has been showcasing his photography skills, captivating Earthlings with his images of the station’s interior, Earth, and the vast cosmos.
The Progress spacecraft will remain docked at the space station for the next six months. The crew will fill it with trash before sending it on its way to burn up during a rapid descent into Earth’s atmosphere.
