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Beyond nutrition and preservation, NASA’s food scientists focus on more human considerations—how to make space feel like home. Food experiences—holidays, family dinners, celebratory meals—help astronauts bond, maintain morale, and feel connected to Earth.
By designing meal options that evoke comfort and familiarity, NASA aims to foster team cohesion and emotional well-being during these solitary, high-stakes journeys. This aspect of food science emphasizes that, even in the far reaches of space, the human need for connection and comfort remains vital.