The galley is where food is stored and prepared. In the early days of space travel, astronauts had to eat semi-liquid mush that was squeezed through a tube like toothpaste. Thanks to developments in food-<a href="Glossary">dehydration</a> and food-packaging techniques, todayÕs astronauts are offered a wide selection of <a href="text">menu items</a>.
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The standard menu on board the Shuttle has been designed to supply the crewmembers with all the <a href="text">nutrients</a> they need to stay healthy. Fun snacks like candy, nuts, and cookies are also provided. Most of the food is precooked or made in such a way that it doesnÕt need to be refrigerated. The fresh fruit and vegetables, however, must be eaten within the first two days of the mission, otherwise they begin to spoil.
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The galley contains a water dispenser and an oven for heating food. Some menu items need to be <a href="Glossary">rehydrated</a> before they can be eaten. The food is eaten straight out of the containers with regular forks and spoons.
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Click to open the galley and explore the <a href="text">food menu</a>.
