From Mysuru to space: Halwa takes flight
space mission
Shubhanshu Shukla
ISRO
Mission postponed again
The Defence Food Research Laboratory (DFRL) in Mysuru has developed specially curated Indian meals for astronauts on the Axiom-4 (Ax-4). Among the crew is Indian Air Force pilot(39), who will become the second Indian to travel to space as part of this private mission to the International Space Station (ISS).Among the provisions making the journey into space will be an array of nutritious and culturally familiar Indian foods designed by DFRL in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) andscientists. Items include: Mango pulp, Hesaru Bele Halwa (moong dal halwa), Carrot Halwa and other varieties of rice dishes suited for space travel. An official said, 'Due to strict dietary regulations in space, spicy or oily foods are not permitted. Instead, astronauts require balanced, easy-to-digest meals that can endure long durations in microgravity without spoilage.'Officials said that the food items have been developed using advanced preservation technologies such as freeze-drying and vacuum-packing, ensuring they remain fresh and safe for consumption over several months in space. Dishes like dal chawal, rajma, khichdi, and vegetable biryani are part of the curated menu. Scientists have ensured these meals retain traditional Indian cooking methods while meeting the nutritional and safety requirements of space missions.'This isn't the first time Mysuru's DFRL has made its mark in space. Back in 1984, India's first astronaut, Rakesh Sharma, consumed food supplied by DFRL during his seven-day mission, which included pulav, aloo chole, and rava halwa. Officials said that ahead of the mission, Shukla sampled over 50 varieties of food at a special tasting session organised for astronauts. These sessions help assess taste, texture, and nutrition before finalising the onboard menu. An official added, 'As India continues to make strides in the space sector, contributions from institutes like DFRL highlight the seamless blend of tradition, science, and national pride—bringing a taste of home to Indians venturing far beyond the Earth.'
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