China's astronauts are now enjoying a taste of home, thanks to a new space-age oven that can grill chicken and steak. But it's not just about the food; it's about the impact on their long-duration missions and the sense of normalcy it brings.
In a groundbreaking development, the Shenzhou-20 and Shenzhou-21 missions have introduced a specially designed oven that allows for smokeless cooking. This innovation is part of a broader effort to enhance the living conditions for astronauts on extended space journeys. The oven's advanced temperature control and high-temperature catalysis capabilities enable it to cook food continuously for up to 500 cycles, a significant improvement over previous experiments.
A video released by the Astronaut Center of China (ACC) showcased the astronauts' delight as they savored freshly grilled chicken wings and steak after just 28 minutes of cooking. This marks a significant leap from earlier international experiments, such as the 2020 baking test aboard the International Space Station (ISS), where astronauts had to wait up to two hours for their cookies to bake.
The introduction of this oven is a testament to China's rapid progress in space technology and its commitment to improving the quality of life for its astronauts. It also reflects the evolution of in-orbit living standards, transitioning from simple pre-packaged meals during the early days of the Shenzhou-5 era to a diverse menu of over 190 items today. After long hours of scientific work, a hot meal provides a much-needed sense of normalcy and a connection to Earth, making these space missions more bearable and enjoyable for the crew.
