China pioneers orbital oven allowing astronauts to enjoy barbecue in space
Chinese astronauts have recently revolutionized dining aboard the China Space Station by introducing an innovative orbital oven. This advancement allows crew members from the Shenzhou-20 and Shenzhou-21 missions to enjoy freshly grilled items, including New Orleans-style chicken wings and black pepper steak.
First Space Barbecue
The Astronaut Center of China (ACC) provided footage showcasing the successful cooking experiment. This milestone is part of ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of life for taikonauts on long-duration missions. The newly developed oven is capable of smokeless, oil-free baking, adhering to the station’s stringent emission regulations.
Technical Innovations
- 500 operational cycles
- Advanced temperature control
- High-temperature catalysis
- Multi-layer filtration system
“This oven achieves a high level of operational reliability and efficiency,” stated Liu Weibo from the ACC. It can grill chicken wings in just 28 minutes, suggesting a significant improvement over previous models used by NASA.
Comparison with Other Space Missions
In 2020, NASA astronauts experimented with a prototype oven that took over two hours to bake a single cookie. In contrast, the Chinese oven’s quick grilling capability highlights its superior heating performance. Kang Guohua, an aerospace engineering professor at Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, emphasized the careful design considerations made for energy compatibility and heat distribution.
Culinary Variety in Space
The Shenzhou-21 mission has also expanded the space menu significantly. Crew members can now prepare over 190 dishes on a ten-day rotation, including fresh vegetables, nuts, and desserts.
- Lettuce
- Cherry tomatoes
- Sweet potatoes
According to Zang Peng from the ACC, special meals have been prepared for traditional Chinese festivals, enhancing cultural connections for astronauts far from home.
Conclusion
As China’s manned space program progresses into a long-term operational phase, culinary innovations play a crucial role in improving astronauts’ quality of life. The ability to enjoy a barbecue in space not only satisfies hunger but also provides psychological comfort, thus making the China Space Station feel a little more like home.
