Chinese astronauts have achieved a culinary milestone 400 kilometers above Earth, grilling chicken wings and black peppercorn steaks using the nation’s first space oven aboard its space station. The Shenzhou-20 and Shenzhou-21 crews tested the innovative hot-air appliance in what scientists call a “space kitchen,” marking a leap in long-duration mission livability.
The oven’s built-in air purification system allowed crews to enjoy golden-brown, sizzling dishes without lingering odors – a critical feature in confined orbital environments. This advancement addresses both nutritional needs and psychological well-being, offering a taste of home-style cooking during months-long space stays.
While previous missions relied on pre-packaged meals, the successful test signals China’s growing capabilities in life support technologies. Analysts note such innovations could influence future international collaborations in space exploration, particularly for missions targeting the Moon and beyond.
