Chinese astronauts have cooked up a culinary milestone 400 kilometers above Earth, using a specialized oven aboard the Tiangong space station to bake fresh meals for the first time. This breakthrough transforms life in orbit from basic reheating to genuine cooking – complete with aromatic chicken wings and sizzling steak.
The compact hot air oven, delivered by the Shenzhou-21 spacecraft, represents a technological leap for China's space program. Crew members from both Shenzhou-20 and Shenzhou-21 missions have tested the device under microgravity conditions, achieving consistent heating results comparable to Earth-based cooking.
"This isn't just about better food – it's about psychological well-being during long-duration missions," explains space systems engineer Dr. Lin Wei. "The smell of freshly cooked meals and the ability to prepare familiar dishes could prove vital for crew morale on future lunar or Mars missions."
The innovation comes as China accelerates its space station operations, with plans to expand orbital research capabilities. While current baked goods focus on protein-rich meals, scientists hint at future experiments with traditional Chinese baked items that could connect astronauts with cultural flavors from home.
This culinary advancement positions China's space program alongside international counterparts in addressing the challenges of long-term space habitation. As nations eye lunar bases and deep-space exploration, such kitchen technologies may become standard in maintaining crew health and performance.
