Chinese Astronauts Host Historic Space BBQ in Tiangong’s New Oven Video Captures Milestone
Chinese astronauts aboard the Tiangong space station are enjoying a unique culinary experience thanks to a newly delivered oven. This milestone introduces a new method for cooking in microgravity and supports the psychological well-being of the crew during their missions.
Cooking in Space: A Major Milestone for Tiangong
The recently installed oven has been utilized by the crews of the Shenzhou 20 and Shenzhou 21 missions currently operating aboard the Tiangong space station. In video footage shared by the Astronaut Center of China (ACC), astronauts were shown preparing chicken wings in a specially designed grill cage before placing it in the oven.
Oven Features and Technology
- The oven functions similarly to an air fryer.
- It operates efficiently without straining Tiangong’s power system.
- Engineered for smokeless baking, it adapts to the station’s microgravity conditions.
According to Kang Guohua, a senior member of the Chinese Society of Astronautics, indulgences like hot meals are essential for maintaining crew morale. This innovative oven is built for safety, adhering to strict fire protocols required in space environments.
Cooking Techniques in Microgravity
In this microgravity setting, cooking techniques differ significantly from those on Earth. For instance, preparing chicken wings took approximately 28 minutes inside their grill container. Additionally, Commander Chen Dong of Shenzhou 20 reported also cooking peppered steak during the mission.
Historical Context and Future Use
This oven’s introduction marks a significant achievement for China’s space exploration efforts. It has been integrated into Tiangong’s systems and is certified for up to 500 uses. The ACC noted that this oven will provide astronauts with comforts usually found at home, enhancing their emotional stability.
This culinary milestone is reminiscent of a similar event in 2019, when NASA astronauts baked cookies aboard the International Space Station (ISS) using a prototype called the Zero G oven. Unlike that temporary unit, the new oven in Tiangong is a permanent fixture, enhancing long-term habitation capabilities in space.
Current Astronaut Missions
- The Shenzhou 21 crew launched on October 31 and is set to stay for six months.
- The Shenzhou 20 astronauts, who have been aboard since April, are expected to return to Earth on November 5.
As exploration continues, innovations like this oven pave the way for more sustainable and comfortable living conditions for astronauts on future missions. The success of these culinary experiments demonstrates China’s commitment to advancing space technology and human adaptability in isolated environments.
