As India prepares to send Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard the Axiom-4 mission, a quiet revolution is set to unfold beyond Earth’s orbit not just in science, but also on the dining menu.
For the first time, Indian cuisine will officially join the astronaut menu aboard the ISS, thanks to ISRO’s special preparations for the country’s first Gaganyatri. From sweet mango nectar to comforting moong dal halwa, and even a serving of Indian rice, the mission will carry the unmistakable flavours of home into microgravity.
Unlike the standard freeze-dried meals prepared by NASA, these Indian food items have been meticulously engineered to meet the challenges of space travel. Mango nectar will be sipped through specially designed containers to handle zero gravity, while the rice a non-sticky variety known for its individual grains has been packaged with extra care to prevent grains from floating away.
The highlight is the moong dal halwa, a rich, ghee-laden dessert packed with calories and taste, reengineered for space conditions. These culinary choices are far more than comfort food; they’re a taste of heritage, culture, and identity, extending India’s soft power into Earth’s orbit.
Group Captain Shukla’s flight is a symbolic stride toward India’s deepening role in human spaceflight. While Axiom-4 is a commercial mission, it dovetails with the larger ambitions of India’s Gaganyaan program its first human spaceflight project, currently under development by ISRO.
Experts say this gastronomical gesture is as important as any scientific payload. It reinforces India’s commitment to contribute to the global space community not just with technology, but with culture and character. From traditional recipes to advanced space packaging, it’s a fusion of the ancient and the futuristic.
As Shukla prepares to float above Earth’s surface, he’ll be doing more than conducting experiments. He’ll be dining as an ambassador of India’s culinary soul, bringing the warmth of halwa and the tang of mango to the cold void of space one bite at a time.