La alimentación en los viajes espaciales tripulados: Desde el programa gemini hasta la ISS/Shuttle

Abstract

Space foods have had great importance in the development of manned space missions since they constitute the only source of energy and nutrients for the human being outside the planet Earth. These foods have undergone a great evolution since the beginning of the Mercury Program to current missions to the International Space Station (ISS). Initially they were designed to provide a great energy and nutrient density and currently priority is given to psychological and organoleptic characteristics since they contribute to increased consumption and a better nutritional status of astronauts. The aim of the present study is to make a retrospective analysis of what has been published until today about the space food, since in the context of a possible future mission manned to deep space, available food are not currently suitable for ensuring an optimal state of health of the astronauts. To search for these items has been used database PubMed and web of the jet propulsion laboratory (Jet propulsion laboratory) National Aeronautics and Space Administration NASA articles published up to 2012.