189 surprising foods NASA will serve Artemis II astronauts in Space - unique menu revealed

More than 50 years after humans last traveled toward the Moon, NASA’s Artemis II mission is not only making history with its crewed lunar flyby but also with the carefully planned menu keeping astronauts fueled in space.
As the four-member crew begins its 10-day journey aboard Orion, NASA has revealed the impressive lineup of meals and drinks packed for the mission.

From brisket and squash to smoothies and desserts, the food plan reflects decades of progress in space nutrition and meal technology.


NASA’s Artemis II mission is carrying much more than astronauts on its historic lunar flyby. Along with the four-person crew, the Orion spacecraft is also carrying a carefully curated menu of 189 unique food items designed to support the astronauts during their 10-day mission around the Moon and back.

The mission lifted off from Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 6:35 p.m. EDT aboard the Space Launch System rocket, marking the first crewed lunar flight in more than five decades.

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What foods are on the Artemis II menu?

The food lineup is surprisingly extensive and far from basic. Among the standout meals are barbecued beef brisket, broccoli au gratin, spicy green beans, macaroni and cheese, butternut squash, cauliflower, and tropical fruit salad.

Breakfast and lighter options include vegetable quiche, breakfast sausage, couscous with nuts, mango salad, granola, and assorted nuts.

One item drawing particular attention is the exact count of 58 tortillas, along with wheat flat bread. Tortillas remain a practical favorite in space because they create fewer crumbs than regular bread.

For drinks, astronauts can choose from 10 beverages, including coffee, green tea, lemonade, apple cider, cocoa, chocolate and vanilla breakfast drinks, and a mango-peach smoothie. Those who like stronger flavors will also have access to five different hot sauces during the flight, as per a report by The US Sun.

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What about desserts and snacks?

NASA has also ensured the crew has comfort food options. Dessert choices include chocolate, cobbler, cookies, cake, pudding, and candy-coated almonds.

These sweet options are designed not just for taste, but also to help maintain morale and routine during the demanding 10-day mission, as per a report by The US Sun.

How is space food prepared?

As there is no refrigeration and no resupply during the mission, every item must be shelf-stable. NASA explained, “Foods must be easy to prepare and consume in microgravity, minimize crumbs, and remain safe and stable throughout the mission."

Most meals are prepared through rehydration, meaning astronauts add water to bring the food to life before eating.

The agency also noted, “The crew provided input well before the meals were packed for the test flight.”

Astronauts tested the food on Earth in advance and were allowed to select two to three days’ worth of their favorite items, as per a report by The US Sun.


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Why is the menu so carefully planned?

NASA said food planning is a critical part of mission success. Every meal must fit strict limits involving mass, volume, and power use inside the shared cabin. The Artemis II menu is the result of decades of improvements in space food systems and represents a major evolution from what astronauts ate during the Apollo era. For a mission of this scale, every bite matters.

FAQs

What will Artemis II astronauts eat?
The crew will have meals like brisket, quiche, tortillas, fruit, snacks, and smoothies.

How many tortillas are onboard?
NASA has packed 58 tortillas for the mission.