When preparing for a space mission, astronauts don’t just pack high-tech gear and oxygen tanks—they pack meals, too. From powdered beverages to thermostabilized entrées, every item is carefully selected for nutrition, taste, and shelf life. Surprisingly, seafood makes the cut. In fact, dishes like shrimp cocktail and swordfish are among the most enjoyed space-friendly options. Even hundreds of miles above Earth, astronauts still crave the flavors of the sea.
Swordfish: Gourmet Protein for Zero Gravity
Swordfish might seem like an unexpected addition to a zero-gravity menu, but it’s been part of space cuisine since at least the Shuttle era. Served in a thermostabilized pouch, this dense, meaty fish holds up well to the rigors of space travel. Its firm texture and bold flavor make it satisfying, even when reheated aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
Swordfish is also a protein-packed option that fuels astronauts for physically demanding tasks. While it doesn’t arrive aboard the ISS fresh off the grill, space-packaged swordfish delivers a comforting taste of home during long missions.
Shrimp Cocktail: A Tangy Tradition in Orbit
Shrimp cocktail has long been a beloved item on the space menu, even in its freeze-dried form. What makes it a favorite? One word: horseradish. The bold, zesty cocktail sauce wakes up the taste buds, which can become dull in microgravity. The shrimp rehydrate remarkably well, retaining their familiar texture and bite, and the spicy sauce adds a punch that astronauts often crave.
This dish dates back to the early shuttle missions and continues to be popular today. For many astronauts, shrimp cocktail offers nutrition and comfort, bringing a familiar flavor into an unfamiliar environment.
From swordfish fillets to freeze-dried shrimp cocktail, seafood continues to earn its place on space missions thanks to its flavor, nutrition, and surprising resilience. So the next time you're craving something out of this world, take a cue from NASA and try swordfish or shrimp cocktail—no space suit required.
