China(The COW News Digital)In a first-of-its-kind experiment aboard China’s Tiangong space station, astronauts successfully grilled chicken wings and steaks in microgravity, marking a new milestone in space culinary innovation. The event highlights China’s growing focus on improving life for astronauts during long-duration space missions.
The space barbecue was made possible by a newly developed oven, designed to cook food without producing smoke or harmful compounds, a critical consideration in the confined environment of a space station. The technology allows astronauts to enjoy freshly cooked meals, improving morale and nutritional intake during extended missions.
A video released by the China Astronaut Research and Training Center shows the astronauts placing chicken wings in a specialized cage, which is then inserted into the oven, functioning similarly to a conventional air fryer. The process, according to the center, is safe and efficient, enabling precise temperature control without the risk of contaminating the spacecraft’s environment.
Liu Weibo, Deputy Chief Designer at the China Astronaut Research and Training Center, described the oven as “the first of its kind in the world suitable for use outside Earth,” capable of reaching temperatures up to 190 degrees Celsius. He emphasized that this breakthrough could pave the way for more diverse cooking techniques in space, offering astronauts more variety and comfort in their diet.
Astronaut Wu Fei, who participated in the experiment, praised the taste, aroma, and appearance of the grilled chicken wings. “The color, flavor, and smell were excellent, even in microgravity,” he said, noting that the experience adds an unexpected element of enjoyment to life aboard the Tiangong station.
Experts suggest that innovations like these could have wider implications for long-term missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond, where fresh, cooked meals will play a crucial role in maintaining crew health and morale. While pre-packaged meals have been the norm in space for decades, the ability to grill, bake, or air-fry food represents a major step forward in recreating Earth-like dining experiences in orbit.
This experiment also reflects China’s ambitions in space technology and life support systems, demonstrating that the country is advancing rapidly in both scientific research and the practical aspects of human spaceflight.
The successful space barbecue may be remembered as a small but symbolic milestone in humanity’s journey to making outer space more habitable and enjoyable.
