Astronauts Make 'Space Sushi' At ISS For A Crewmate Craving It

Life aboard the International Space Station (ISS) just got a flavorful upgrade, as astronauts recently treated themselves to a special sushi meal during a joyful crew celebration. The zero-gravity kitchen saw a creative spin on the traditional Japanese delicacy, using available supplies and a bit of culinary ingenuity.

While sushi lovers on Earth may take freshness for granted, making it in outer space is a different challenge altogether. NASA astronaut Jonny Kim recently shared a light-hearted post on X (formerly Twitter), showcasing the crew's attempt to recreate their favorite dish.

"Space sushi isn’t quite the same as the fresh stuff on the ground, but it’s not bad!" Kim wrote. He explained that the idea sparked during a crew celebration, when one of the members expressed how much they missed sushi – a sentiment many astronauts share due to limited food options.

What went into the space Sushi?

Given the constraints of living in microgravity and the limited pantry options, the crew pulled together what they could. The sushi rolls were made using:

1.Packaged rice

2.Canned spam

3. Space-approved fish

4. A touch of gochujang (Korean chili paste)

5. A dab of wasabi for that classic kick

All ingredients were taken from personal or shared food rations, highlighting the camaraderie and creativity of the crew in making the most of what they have.

How astronauts eat in zero gravity?

Preparing and eating food aboard the ISS is no easy task. To prevent items from floating away, astronauts use tape with the sticky side up on the galley table to hold down food packets, utensils, and condiments. Meals are often reheated in warmers and eaten directly from their containers using specially designed utensils.

Floating ingredients and sauce spills might sound chaotic, but the crew has developed impressive skills in maneuvering their meals mid-air.

Food and morale in space

While food seems like a small event to be so excited about in space, It can also play a powerful role boosting morale in long space missions. Dishes that remind astronauts of home-like sushi-offer comfort, foster bonding, and enhance mental well-being. These little food experiments also provide valuable data for future deep-space missions where longer stays and psychological well-being are crucial.

Published on: Wednesday, June 18, 2025, 04:20 PM IST