The Space Shuttle did not have a table for crew meals. Instead, the astronauts placed their food containers on a tray, strapped it to one of their legs, and then fiound a place to anchor themselves while they ate. This tray is an early design that had tracks and cavities to hold the food containers and a magnet to hold the utensils in place. A later tray had a smooth surface and strips of Velcro to lock Velcro-backed food containers in place. The tray is a small example of the big challenges of doing normal tasks, like eating, in weightlessness. NASA transferred this tray and a variety of Shuttle foods to the Museum in the 1980s.
Display Status
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT-Food & Food Accessories
Dimensions
3-D: 43.2 x 22.9 x 5.7cm (17 x 9 x 2 1/4 in.)
Materials
Aluminum
Spring Steel
Velcro
Synthetic Fabric
Magnetized Rubber
Adhesive
Synthetic rubber (Neoprene)
Inventory Number
A19870117000
Credit Line
Transferred from NASA Johnson Space Center
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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