NASA reveals food menu, meal schedules for astronauts set for Artemis II launch

CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida (KTRK) -- As four astronauts prepare to make history on Wednesday evening, NASA has begun rolling out expectations for the Artemis II mission, including the cuisine the crew will enjoy on board its vessel!

So what is on the menu for the 4 astronauts on board? NASA posted the items on social media on Tuesday, showing breakfast, lunch, and dinner the team will have during the 10-day mission aboard the Orion spacecraft.

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The food items include coffee, tea, and flavored drinks, along with macaroni and cheese, beef brisket, various veggies, an array of nuts and fruits, and exactly 58 tortillas, plus much more.

We can't forget the dessert! A poll conducted found that cookies are the main snack that would satisfy the crew's sweet tooth.

In addition to the food, officials said there are five different hot sauces on board for the crew to choose from. According to NASA's website, each crew member is given two to three days' worth of food, packaged into a single container. The food is ready-to-eat, and the crew can use the Orion's potable water dispenser to rehydrate foods and drinks, and use a compact warmer to heat meals as needed.

NASA says the food on board the Artemis II is designed to support the crew's overall health and performance. With that, they have to remain safe, stable enough to stay on a shelf, and easily prepared and eaten. Fresh food will not be on board the Orion, as the ship doesn't have refrigeration.

The food choices are made in coordination with space food experts and the crew to balance calorie needs, hydration, and nutrient intake while accommodating individual preferences. The crew was also asked for their input on the various foods. They are asked to sample and rate the foods during the pre-flight testing phase.

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When it comes to structuring meals, each crew member is allowed two flavored beverages a day, including coffee. However, the drink options are limited due to constraints and the amount of food available on board. The crew also has a strict schedule for when they can eat.

The four-person crew will launch from NASA's Kennedy Space Center on Merritt Island, Florida, for the multi-day journey. The trip will pave the way for future Artemis missions that could eventually see astronauts set foot on the moon and build a permanent lunar base.

April 1 is the first launch opportunity, with a window from 6:24 p.m. ET to 8:24 p.m. ET, and potential backup dates between April 2 and April 6.