Space Food: Gemini Food

The two-man Gemini program began in 1965 with a revised approach to space food. For several reasons, including excessive weight (the package was heavier than the contents, and every ounce counts in space), use of the bulky aluminum tubes was discontinued. Gemini astronauts ate bite-sized cubes similar to those Glenn had, but the cubes were coated with an edible gelatin to prevent crumbing. Gemini astronauts also carried freeze-dried foods packaged in special containers to allow better reconstitution. To rehydrate food, the astronauts injected water into the pack through the nozzle of a device that looked like a water pistol. After the contents were kneaded, the food became a puree, which was squeezed through a one-way valve into the astronaut’s mouth. Once the food was consumed, a tablet was inserted into the bag to reactivate the leftover food chemically so that it did not rot and emit noxious gases.