Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer

This serving of macaroni and cheese is typical of Shuttle-era menu choices. Astronauts choose their meals several months before flight from a list of hundreds of food items. As there is no onboard refrigerator or freezer, most foods are processed for storage at room temperature. Individual portions are packaged in disposable plastic containers, pop-top cans, or foil pouches, and foods are eaten directly from these containers. Astronauts warm food packages at a galley station and use a hot-cold water dispenser to rehydrate dried foods. Containers for dehydrated food like this have an injection port for adding water to make the food edible. This item was returned from the STS-27 Shuttle mission (Atlantis) in 1988.

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: 10.2 x 10.2 x 4.4cm (4 x 4 x 1 3/4 in.)
Materials Plastic, paper, adhesive, Velcro, tape, dehydrated organic materials (macaroni and cheese)
Inventory Number A19890318000 Credit Line Transferred from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.