This spacefood package contains dehydrated potato soup and was flown on the Apollo 16 mission in April 1972. As it was not consumed during the mission, it was returned to earth and transferred to the National Air and Space Museum.
Each Apollo crew member was provided with three meals per day which provided approximately 2,800 calories per day. The food was freeze-dried and was easily reconstituted by the astronaut with a water probe which dispensed one half ounce of hot or cold water as required, each time the trigger button was pressed.
The food was protected with a 4-ply, laminated film coating. This protected the food from loss of flavor, moisture and oxygen invasion, spoiling and excess crumbling, and was used on both the rehydratable and the bite-sized foods. The rehydratable foods also had an 8-quinolinol sulfate tablet attached to reduce spoilage in the used food wraps.
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
Manufacturer
Whirlpool Corporation
Dimensions
Overall: 7 1/4 in. × 7 in. × 1/2 in. (18.4 × 17.8 × 1.3cm)
Materials
Exterior: 4-ply Polyethelyne laminate bag
Valve: Plastic
Contents: Dehydrated potato soup, 8-quinolinol sulfate tablet
Inventory Number
A19980126000
Credit Line
Transferred from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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