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The Salad Frontier: Why Astronauts Need To Grow Lettuce In Space

Astronaut Steve "Swanny" Swanson tends to lettuce plants growing at the International Space Station that may one day make it into his salad. Courtesy of NASA hide caption

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Courtesy of NASA

The Salad Frontier: Why Astronauts Need To Grow Lettuce In Space

June 10, 2014 • With the help of grow lights and air exchange fans, NASA is growing lettuce on the International Space Station. The scheme could help keep food costs down — and keep astronauts happy tending plants.

Moon Turnips? NASA Takes Gardening to New Heights

A 3-D printed model of the canister. Courtesy of NASA hide caption

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Courtesy of NASA

Moon Turnips? NASA Takes Gardening to New Heights

December 3, 2013 • The space agency has announced plans to grow turnips, basil and cress on the moon by 2015. The experiment could be good news for astronauts sick of their freeze-dried fare. But researchers say the real goal is to see if humans could one day live — and farm — on the moon.

Eating On Mars? Be Sure To Pack The Tortillas

Mission to Mars: Six explorers lived in this simulated Mars habitat in Hawaii for four months, part of a NASA study to test the role of cooking and food on an extended space mission. Sian Proctor/NASA HI-SEAS hide caption

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Sian Proctor/NASA HI-SEAS

The Salt

Eating On Mars? Be Sure To Pack The Tortillas

August 16, 2013 • It's not the hard work that will make astronauts lose it on long planetary missions — it's boredom. And something that can become very boring very fast is a rote menu. A simulated Mars mission reveals why cooking for others will be vital on long space journeys, and why wraps rule.

The Salt

Chris Hadfield: Space Chef In Chief

May 14, 2013 • The Canadian astronaut didn't just tweet and sing his heart out during his five months as commander of the International Space Station. He also took time out to show the world what it's like to eat up there.

Ingredients For A Homestyle Thanksgiving, 200 Miles Above The Earth

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The Salt

Ingredients For A Homestyle Thanksgiving, 200 Miles Above The Earth

November 22, 2012 • Candied yams with a touch of marshmallow cream are what the astronauts on the International Space Station are looking forward to eating for their Thanksgiving feast today. That and a little irradiated smoked turkey, courtesy of NASA.