What’s the Deal with Astronauts and Shrimp Cocktail?

833 Comments / Astrodietetics

Space food has a complex history, beginning with a few tasty tubes of pureed meat, and later branching out into a dining hall of multinational cuisine. Despite the advances in food science and growth of menu options in space, there’s one surprising dish that’s been there (almost) since the beginning: shrimp cocktail. For decades, the retro-fancy appetizer has been an unexpected staple of space dining.  

History of Shrimp Cocktail in Space

Apollo 16 shrimp cocktail; Credit: NASM

The Gemini missions featured major improvements in cuisines from the previous Mercury missions, due mainly to superior packaging options. Bye-bye squeeze tubes, hello freeze-drying. This allowed a greater diversity in options; astronauts could now enjoy dishes like pot roast, chicken and vegetables, spaghetti, and yes, shrimp cocktail.1 Since then, it’s been featured on just about every mission, and now, on the ISS. 

Gemini 4 (1965) commander Edward White named shrimp cocktail as his favorite space dish, beating out the pot roast and butterscotch pudding. Since then, multiple astronauts have declared it as their favorite. On his first visit to space, Endeavor shuttle crew member Jim Reilly took several bags for cosmonauts aboard the Mir station. Story Musgrave, veteran of Skylab and all five shuttle missions, told fellow crew members “they’d be sorry” if they didn’t add it to their personalized menus.2 Musgrave himself reported eating shrimp cocktail for every meal, including breakfast. 

The greatest shrimp cocktail evangelist, however, would have to be Endeavor’s Bill Gregory. On the 1995 shuttle mission, Gregory planned to eat shrimp cocktail with every single meal over the course of Endeavor’s 15.5 day flight, for a total of 48 bowls of the hors d’oeuvre.3 Shrimp-mania continues on modern missions. According to Vicky Kloeris, former manager of the ISS Food System, it remains the most requested meal on the station.4 But why? 

The Secret Sauce

Freeze-dried shrimp cocktail packages; Credit: NASA

According to crew members, it’s not necessarily the shrimp itself that sets their taste buds ablaze – it’s the sauce. The tangy, spicy, glorious horseradish sauce. Due to microgravity, astronauts experience a fluid shift that causes a cold-like, congested feeling. The stuffiness and diminished smell leads to changes in taste, with normal favorites not being nearly as flavorful, or even unpalatable. 

Michele Perchonok of NASA’s food science program describes the phenomenon as “the Charlie Brown phase, because their faces have gotten more round.”5 The fluid shift is pervasive enough to give some astronauts a cartoonish appearance. Although some say the congestion diminishes after several days, it does return intermittently. 

Many crew members find that their requested personalized foods no longer hold the same appeal while in space. Spices and seasonings become the new gold standard. Cravings increase for more extreme flavors, like spiciness, sourness, and sweetness. In 2002, ISS astronaut Peggy Whitson jokingly blocked the Atlantis shuttle crew from entering until they assured her they’d brought a sufficient supply of hot sauce and salsa.6 

How it’s Served

Unlike at fancy dinner parties of yore, space-shrimp is not artistically fanned out along the rim of a martini glass. The shrimp has its tails removed and is cooked in a small amount of red, tomato-like sauce, and then freeze-dried. The horseradish sauce is powdered. Despite the less-than-luxurious serving methods, ISS astronauts say that sharing favorite foods together has enormous psychological benefits and helps space feel a little more like home. Next up, escargot?

Sources

1. Food for Space Flight. NASA. February 26, 2004. https://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/postsecondary/features/F_Food_for_Space_Flight.html / 2. Christensen J. Houston, we have a potluck. CNN. November 2, 1998. http://www.cnn.com/TECH/space/9811/02/shuttle.food/ / 3. Borenstein S. In space, 48 bowls of shrimp cocktail sort of make sense. Orlando Sentinel. March 9, 1995. https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-1995-03-09-9503090077-story.html / 4. Sunseri G. Heavenly and Delicious. ABC News. December 11, 2006. https://abcnews.go.com/Technology/story?id=2717508&page=1 / 5. Palca J. Why astronauts crave tabasco sauce. NPR, All Things Considered. February 23, 2012. https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2012/02/23/147294191/why-astronauts-crave-tabasco-sauce / 6. Romanoff J. When it comes to living in space, it’s a matter of taste. Space and Physics. March 10, 2009. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/taste-changes-in-space/

833 thoughts on “What’s the Deal with Astronauts and Shrimp Cocktail?”

  6. Ирригаторы полости рта

    Ирригатор (также известен как оральный ирригатор, ирригатор полости рта или дентальная водяная нить) – это устройство, используемое для очистки полости рта. Оно представляет собой насадку с форсункой, которая использует воду или жидкость для очистки полости рта. Ирригаторы применяются для удаления зубного камня, бактерий и насадок из полости рта, а также для смягчения любых застывших остатков пищи и органических отходов. Ирригаторы применяются для профилактики и лечения различных патологий полости рта. Наиболее распространенные ирригаторы используются для удаления зубного камня, лечения десны, профилактики и лечения воспалений десен, а также для лечения пародонтита. Кроме того, ирригаторы используются для анестезии полости рта, а также для применения антибактериальных препаратов.. Click Here: https://www.irrigator.ru/irrigatory-cat.html

    Reply
  53. vorbelutrioperbir

    Very nice info and straight to the point. I am not sure if this is in fact the best place to ask but do you folks have any thoughts on where to employ some professional writers? Thanks in advance 🙂

    Reply
  55. best 1xbet promo code

    Use the promo code 1xBet and get a €/$130 bonus when you sign up. Make sports bets, virtual sports or play at the casino. 1xbet pakistan promo code Valid throughout the year 2023. 1xBet offers new customers a welcome bonus of $130. To receive the bonus, you need to register on the 1xBet website, make a deposit to your account and confirm your right to receive the bonus. After that, the bonus will be automatically credited to the player’s account. Thanks to the bonus code, the chances of players immediately increase by 130%. You will have to win back the additional bonuses provided under the same conditions that apply to the main package bonus.

    Reply
  56. 1 xbet promo code

    Get a €/$130 bonus when you sign up using the promotion code “1xBet”. Valid until 2023 for sports betting, virtual sports, or casino play. 1xBet is offering a $130 welcome bonus to new customers. To receive the bonus, you must register on the 1xBet website, deposit into your account, and confirm your entitlement to receive the bonus.best promo code for 1xbetThe bonus will then be automatically credited to the player’s account. Thanks to the bonus code, the player’s chances are instantly increased by 130%. The additional bonus offered must be earned under the same conditions that apply to the main package bonus.

    Reply
  57. viagra

    Yesterday, while I was at work, my cousin stole my iPad and
    tested to see if it can survive a forty foot drop, just so she can be
    a youtube sensation. My iPad is now broken and she has 83 views.
    I know this is entirely off topic but I had to
    share it with someone!

    Reply
  60. mangaowl

    Hi, i think that i saw you visited my site so i came
    to “return the favor”.I am trying to find things to enhance my site!I suppose its ok to use a few of your ideas!!

    Reply
  62. porno

    Everyone loves what you guys are usually up too.
    This sort of clever work and reporting! Keep up the superb works guys I’ve
    added you guys to my blogroll.

    Reply
  63. does beard growth kits really work

    Hey there! I know this is kinda off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are you using
    for this website? I’m getting sick and tired of WordPress because I’ve had problems with hackers and I’m looking at alternatives
    for another platform. I would be fantastic if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.

    Reply
  66. 1xbet sign up promo code

    Use promo code 1xBet – get 100% up to €130 welcome bonus on registration.1xbet free bets and T&Cs clarifications. Other bonuses can be obtained already in the process of playing. The bookmaker offers players free bets, cashback and insurance bets as incentives. Again, the way of applying the bonus, bets and wagering period are clearly stated in the terms and conditions of the promotion. 1xbet pakistan promo code There are several such offers that are always available to players.

    Reply
  67. assignment help

    Howdy! Someone in my Facebook group shared this website with us so I came to give it a look.
    I’m definitely enjoying the information. I’m bookmarking and will be tweeting
    this to my followers! Superb blog and brilliant design.

    Reply
  70. situs gacor hari ini

    Wⲟnderful beat ! I wish to apprentіce while you amend your site, how can i subscribe
    for a blog site? The aϲcount helped me a acceptable deal.

    I had been tiny bit acquainteⅾ of thiѕ your broadcast offered bright clear
    idea

    Reply
  71. Sv388.Com

    Great blog here! Also your site quite a bit up very fast!
    What web host are you using? Can I am getting your associate link in your host?
    I desire my website loaded up as fast as yours lol

    Reply
  73. Hendel

    Gօod day! Do you қnow if they make any plugіns to hｅⅼp witһ Search Engine Optimization? I’m trying to get my blog to rank for some tarցeted keywords bᥙt I’m not seeing very
    good ցains. If youu know of any please share. Kudos!

    Also visit my web-site – Hendel

    Reply
  75. Hentai Website

    Excellent site you have here but I was wondering if you knew of any discussion boards that
    cover the same topics talked about in this article?
    I’d really like to be a part of group where I can get suggestions from other experienced individuals that share
    the same interest. If you have any suggestions, please let me know.
    Kudos!

    Reply
  78. Daybeds & Sun Loungers

    Do you mind if I quote a couple of your posts as
    long as I provide credit and sources back to your webpage?
    My blog site is in the very same niche as yours and my users would truly benefit
    from some of the information you present here. Please let me know if this okay with
    you. Thank you!

    Reply
  81. slotxo

    Hello there, You’ve done an excellent job. I’ll certainly digg it and personally recommend to my friends.
    I am confident they’ll be benefited from this website.

    Reply
  82. دیگ سندبلاست

    دیگ سندبلاست
    دیگ سندبلاست یک نوع دیگ
    صنعتی است که برای تمیز کردن سطوح فلزی با استفاده از فشار بالای هوا و مواد جارو کننده مانند ماسه و یا ترکیبات شنی و
    شیشه‌ای، استفاده می‌شود.

    این دیگ‌ها در بسیاری از صنایع استفاده می‌شوند، از جمله در صنایع نفت و گاز،
    صنایع شیمیایی، خودروسازی و
    ساختمان سازی.

    دیگ سندبلاست چیست ؟
    دیگ سندبلاست ظرفی است که برای نگهداری مواد سست و ساینده مورد استفاده در عملیات سندبلاست طراحی شده است.
    بیشتر آنها برای استفاده به عنوان واحدهای
    افزودنی در سیستم های هوای فشرده موجود طراحی شده اند.
    این دیگ جزء اصلی یک سیستم سندبلاست است که شن یا ماسه
    در هنگام نیاز به سایش کنترل کرده و
    نگه می دارد.

    در فرایند دیگ سندبلاست، مواد جارو کننده با فشار بالا
    به سطح فلزی پاشیده می‌شوند
    تا لایه‌های زنگ زدگی، رسوبات و دیگر آلودگی‌ها را از سطح فلزی یا
    چوبی حذف کنند. این فرایند، به
    عنوان یک روش تمیز کردن قوی
    و موثر شناخته می‌شود، اما باید
    مواد جارو کننده را با دقت و با توجه به نوع سطح فلزی یا سطح مورد استفاده، انتخاب کرد تا به آسیب
    رساندن به سطح فلزی جلوگیری شود.

    علاوه بر تمیز کردن سطح فلزی، دیگ سند بلاست همچنین به عنوان یک روش برای آماده سازی سطح برای
    فرآیندهای پوشش دهی نیز استفاده می‌شود.
    در این حالت، سطح فلزی با دیگر مواد
    شیمیایی پوشش دهی می‌شود،
    به منظور جلوگیری از زنگ زدگی و
    سایر آسیب‌های ناشی از عوامل خارجی استفاده میشوند .دیگ سند بلاست یک فرایند پر هزینه است و نیاز به تجهیزات خاصی دارد.

    همچنین برای استفاده از این روش باید از افراد متخصص و مجرب در این
    زمینه استفاده کرد تا خطرات مرتبط با استفاده از دیگ سند
    بلاست را کاهش دهند

    Reply
  83. 44 angel number trusted

    Hі fantastic blog! Doess runnning a blog suhch ass thks taqke а mazsive amoսnt work?
    І’veabsolutely noo expergise inn compute programming bbut Ι
    hadd beden hoing tοo star mmy oown bloog ѕoon. Anywaу, shold yoou havfe anny ieas orr tecniques
    ffor neww bllog ownerrs pleasse share. Ι understand tis iis ooff subject howefer І simpy wantedd toօ аsk.
    Appreciaqte іt!

    Alsoo viit mmy webb ste – 44 angel number trusted

    Reply
  95. рабочий промокод 1xbet

    Вводите официальный промокод 1xbet при регистрации 2023 и получайте до 32 500 тысяч рублей. Бонус-код помогает удвоить ваш первый банкролл. Куда ввести промокод 1xbet. 1хбет промокод при регистрацииБесплатным промокод может воспользоваться любой новый игрок букмекерской конторы! После того, как вы попадете на официальный сайт букмекера, в России он внесен в реестр запрещенных. Благодаря промокодам на сегодня и различным акциям, они начали захватывать сердца миллионов игроков. На протяжении 10 лет существования администрация регулярно совершенствовала уровень сервиса, и как итог — создана отличная контора, где игроки могут совершать ставки и получать выплаты без каких-либо проблем. Это сделать просто, если иметь промокод 1xbet на сегодня бесплатно. Правда, дается он при условии выполнения некоторых правил. 1xbet бонус при регистрации. Не совсем промокод, но вы все равно ставите не свои деньги, если пополните депозит, – 100% бонуса от внесенной суммы. Максимум указан в верхней части главной страницы официального сайта.

    Reply
  101. day cares

    Hi there very cool site!! Man .. Excellent .. Wonderful ..
    I’ll bookmark your site and take the feeds additionally?I am glad to search out numerous useful
    info here within the post, we need develop more strategies on this regard, thanks for
    sharing.

    Feel free to surf to my web site; day cares

    Reply
  102. Home gym

    Hi would you mind letting me know which web host you’re working with?
    I’ve loaded your blog in 3 different internet browsers and I must say
    this blog loads a lot faster then most. Can you suggest a good
    web hosting provider at a fair price? Thanks,
    I appreciate it!

    My web-site; Home gym

    Reply
  114. child care center

    hello there and thank you for your information – I’ve certainly
    picked up something new from right here. I did however expertise
    some technical points using this website, since I experienced to reload the
    website a lot of times previous to I could get
    it to load correctly. I had been wondering if your hosting is OK?
    Not that I’m complaining, but slow loading instances times will sometimes affect your placement in google and could damage your high-quality score
    if advertising and marketing with Adwords. Well I’m adding this RSS to my
    e-mail and could look out for a lot more of your respective intriguing content.
    Ensure that you update this again soon..

    Here is my web-site – child care center

    Reply
  120. Bookmarks

    Wow! This can be one particular of the most useful blogs
    We have ever arrive across on this subject.
    Actually Wonderful. I am also a specialist in this topic therefore I can understand your
    effort.

    my web page – Bookmarks

    Reply
  127. item541475839

    Hi there, i read your blog occasionally and i own a similar one and i
    was just wondering if you get a lot of spam responses?
    If so how do you protect against it, any plugin or anything
    you can advise? I get so much lately it’s driving me crazy so any support is very much appreciated.

    My site :: item541475839

    Reply
  135. Salmon78

    Spot on with this write-up, I seriously think this amazing site needs a
    great deal more attention. I’ll probably be returning to read more, thanks for the information!

    Reply
  139. lihat disini

    Thanks , I have just been searching for info about this topic for a long
    time and yours is the best I have discovered till now. However, what about the bottom
    line? Are you sure concerning the supply?

    Reply
  142. gamestop trade in

    TAFE Queensland was responsible for providing vocational education and training program for the volunteers of
    the games. This Battlefield-esque tactical shooter prides itself on its historical
    accuracy, providing you with era-appropriate weapons and equipment as you lead
    your squad of AI soldiers through some of the most
    famous campaigns of WWII. Blizzard’s hero shooter returns in a
    free-to-play format, and while it’s received some welcome quality-of-life adjustments, it remains at its core the
    same game that captivated its playerbase back when the original version released back in 2016.
    The Overwatch 2 maps take players to various locales
    to engage in standard match formats such as escorting
    a payload or capturing a point. Also, while YouTube is
    free, you’ll be subjected to its revenue share
    policy if you start monetizing videos. Convenience is the
    top priority that you should choose while selecting anything
    for you. So, online baccarat offers convenience to the ones who choose it.
    Online baccarat provides convenience in a way that people
    don’t need to leave their places or reach
    anywhere to play it.

    Reply
  144. assignment help

    Please let me know if you’re looking for a article writer for your weblog.
    You have some really great posts and I believe I would be a good asset.
    If you ever want to take some of the load
    off, I’d really like to write some content for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine.
    Please shoot me an e-mail if interested. Thanks!

    Reply
  145. pkv games

    Hi, I do think this is a great web site. I stumbledupon it 😉 I am going to revisit yet again since i have book
    marked it. Money and freedom is the best way to change, may you be rich and
    continue to guide others.

    Reply
  146. free guide istanbul

    Hey just wanted to give you a brief heads up and let you know a few of
    the images aren’t loading properly. I’m not sure why but I think its a linking issue.

    I’ve tried it in two different web browsers and both show the same results.

    Reply
  148. slot dana

    I like the helpful info you provide in your articles. I’ll bookmark your weblog and check
    again here regularly. I am quite certain I will learn many new stuff right here!
    Good luck for the next!

    Reply
  150. mbak4d

    I blog often and I truly thank you for your information. This article has truly peaked
    my interest. I am going to take a note of your website
    and keep checking for new information about once per week.
    I opted in for your Feed too.

    Reply
  156. промокод на 1хбет при регистрации

    Вводите официальный промокод 1xbet при регистрации 2023 и получайте до 32 500 тысяч рублей. Бонус-код помогает удвоить ваш первый банкролл. Куда ввести промокод 1xbet. промокод 1хбет при регистрацииБесплатным промокод может воспользоваться любой новый игрок букмекерской конторы! После того, как вы попадете на официальный сайт букмекера, в России он внесен в реестр запрещенных. Благодаря промокодам на сегодня и различным акциям, они начали захватывать сердца миллионов игроков. На протяжении 10 лет существования администрация регулярно совершенствовала уровень сервиса, и как итог — создана отличная контора, где игроки могут совершать ставки и получать выплаты без каких-либо проблем. Это сделать просто, если иметь промокод 1xbet на сегодня бесплатно. Правда, дается он при условии выполнения некоторых правил. 1xbet бонус при регистрации. Не совсем промокод, но вы все равно ставите не свои деньги, если пополните депозит, – 100% бонуса от внесенной суммы. Максимум указан в верхней части главной страницы официального сайта.

    Reply
  182. hi88

    My spouse and I stumbled over here coming from a different web page and thought I
    may as well check things out. I like what I see so now i am following you.
    Look forward to looking at your web page repeatedly.

    Reply
  184. joker123

    I just like the helpful info you provide to your articles.
    I will bookmark your weblog and test again right here
    regularly. I am fairly sure I’ll be told many new stuff proper right here!
    Good luck for the following!

    Reply
  188. 해외선물 분양

    Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as though you relied on the video to make your point.
    You definitely know what youre talking about, why waste
    your intelligence on just posting videos to your site when you could be giving us something informative to read?

    Reply
  189. kampus

    Normally I don’t read article on blogs, however I wish to say that this write-up very pressured me to try and do
    it! Your writing style has been surprised me. Thanks, quite great post.

    Reply
  191. zigounette

    I do consider all the concepts you’ve offered
    on your post. They’re very convincing and will
    definitely work. Nonetheless, the posts are very quick for
    newbies. Could you please prolong them a bit
    from subsequent time? Thanks for the post.

    Reply
  192. cipit 88

    Aw, this was an incredibly nice post. Spending some time and actual effort to generate a very good
    article… but what can I say… I procrastinate a whole lot and don’t seem to get nearly anything done.

    Reply
  194. arwanatoto

    Kelapangan dalam Kemenangan

    Disamping koleksi slot gacor yang memesona, Arwanatoto juga diketahui lantaran focusnya di keluasaan kemenangan. Mereka mengetahui jika banyak pemain pengin berasa diuntungkan waktu main,
    dan itu dia kenapa mereka menjajakan kemungkinan menang
    yang lebih bagus dibanding beberapa basis yang lain. Anda tak perlu jadi pakar untuk merasai kesan kemenangan di Arwanatoto.

    Sampai pemula bisa merasakan peruntungan secara simpel,
    hingga merasa lebih terjalin dengan permainan.

    Reply
  200. hi88

    Please let me know if you’re looking for a article writer for your weblog.
    You have some really good articles and I feel I
    would be a good asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d
    really like to write some articles for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine.

    Please blast me an email if interested. Regards!

    Reply
  203. situs slot online terbaru

    Kumpulan Nama-Namaa Dafta Laman Judi Slot Onine Terpercaya dan Provide Slot88 Slot Gacr Terudate ddi 2021
    Masihh mencari kumpula dafyar lamn judi slot onloine terpercaya ang fair play?

    Sekikan baanyak banndar slo online yang bertebaran dii
    dinia onlkne paszti mebikin anhda kebingungan, mmana situs juidi
    slot onloine bknafit ddan mana yang tidak bonafit bagi para pemain. Permainan sllot online sungguh-sungguh ppopuler dann disukai oleh
    kalangan masyarakat Indonesia terlbih ddi kota-kota besar.
    Apqlagi dikala menghadapi pandremi yang tak kunjung haabis ini, orang – oranng
    berbondong-bondong mencsri webbsite judi slkot
    online terpercsya 2022 untuk mengisi waktu
    luangnya.

    Kumpulan dari nama-nama daftar slot online bertebaran melewayi dunnia online.
    Unntuk mendaftarkan diri, nda daplat mengerjakan pencarian via google, rujukan teman ataupun dari social media berupa Facebook, Instagram daan Twitter.
    Maacam game lot resemi daan original dapat anda temui mepalui mahkotaslot sebagai lasman juddi slot onnline terbaru 2021.
    Web slot online uajg orisinil umumny menawarkan gaqme judi online laiinnya yang takk kalah menarik, variasi-tipe game judi online lainnta akan kamki
    bahas pada sssi selanjutnya.

    Sebagwi seorang penggemaqr game slot online gacolr yang ada dii Indonesia, muungkin anda sudahh tidsak asing tentanng permainan slot seerta provider slot oonline
    yang kawmi sediakan. Bahkan, nda mungkin telkah mendafarjan diri
    ddi laman laiun mlainkan merasa kurang nyaan baik dardi seegi ppelayanan ataupun dari srgi kemenangan yanng didapatkan. Adaa sebagian situs
    judi slot online terkenal dan popjler dan kami di sini hhadir memberijkan anjuran permaina websitre judi slot onlpine gacdor slot88 ternama
    denngan dereran keuntungan dalpam hhal boonus jacpot spot
    yang gampasng menang. Kemudahan yaang diperolh karena perkembngan teknolog
    yakni anda biea memainkannya dirumah, kantor, maupu tempat nnongkrong bermodalkan hpp swrta dunia onjline saja.

    Feel free tto visit myy site :: situs slot online terbaru

    Reply