With the Gaganyaan mission planned for launch in 2027, the training of the four chosen astronauts, called Gaganyatris, has already begun. Along with spacecraft preparation, another key task is being planned the food astronauts will eat in space.
Who is Preparing the Food?
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research – Central Food Technology Research Institute (CSIR-CFTRI), located in Mysuru and Dehradun, is working closely with ISRO to design the food menu. The aim is to make nutritious, tasty, and compact meals that take up very little space but still give astronauts all the energy they need.
The Chosen Astronauts
In 2024, the names of the four astronauts were announced:
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Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair
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Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla
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Group Captain Angad Pratap
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Group Captain Ajit Krishnan
Shukla and Nair were also part of the Axiom-4 space mission, where Shukla became the first Indian to spend 20 days in space, including 18 days on the International Space Station.
The Food Challenge
A CSIR-CFTRI official explained that food for astronauts must not only be healthy but also delicious and filling. Since Indians are particular about taste, the food should remind astronauts of home while also meeting calorie and nutrition needs. Dairy and frozen items are good options, but their form, shape, and taste need adjustments for space travel.
The lab has already created millet tablets, where four tablets equal one meal. Eating twelve tablets a day can meet full nutrition requirements. However, astronauts need variety, so scientists are also working on:
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Paratha pills
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Powdered forms of sambar-rice, dosa, and chapati
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Reformulated Indian dishes without losing taste and appearance
Shubhanshu Shukla, who recently returned from space on August 16, carried Indian foods like gajar ka halwa, moong dal halwa, biryani, dal, rajma-rice, khichdi, roti, and mango nectar. However, he admitted that he still missed his food, showing how important taste is along with nutrition.
Looking Ahead
By the time of the Gaganyaan launch in 2027, astronauts will have a special Indian menu that is healthy, compact, and comforting making them feel closer to home while in space.
Date : 24 August 2025
Time : 10 AM to 5 PM
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