LuvyDuvy Freeze-Dried Space Ice Cream
Much has been written about freeze-dried ice cream. Here are some interesting facts from online websites:
https://www.engadget.com/hitting-the-books-ingredients-george-zaidan-dutton-150012040.html
06/2020 – “Hitting the books: The ancient technology behind astronaut ice cream”
It’s been one week since astronauts Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley made history by successfully riding SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket up to the International Space Station. This calls for a celebration! And what orbital party would be complete without the most American of freeze-dried fare, astronaut ice cream? But while the cold and crunchy confection is most often associated with our most technologically advanced industry, the technique’s development dates back to ancient times.
https://airandspace.si.edu/stories/editorial/we-all-scream-even-space-ice-cream
07/2015 – “We All Scream – Even in Space – for Ice Cream”
The gift-shop staple, “Astronaut Ice Cream,” was the first type of ice cream to make it into space during the Apollo 7 mission in 1968, and it was the only time it was “served” in space . . . The last time (frozen) ice cream was enjoyed in zero-g was in 2012. Once again, ISS crew members were treated to Blue Bell ice cream. The tantalizing frozen treat made the trip aboard the SpaceX Dragon resupply capsule.
ACTUAL PHOTO OF FREEZE-DRIED ICE CREAM FROM NASA RECORDS
Freeze-Dried Vanilla Ice Cream covered in Gelatin (see bottom right)
The ice cream developed for the Space Missions wasn’t the same ice cream sold in poly/foil pouches in today’s gift shops. They didn’t want the small pieces of the crunchy ice cream floating in the spacecraft, so each small cube was covered in gelatin.
“Food for U.S. Manned Space Flight” – U.S. Army Natick Research & Development Laboratories
https://teachbesideme.com/space-food-how-to-make-astronaut-ice-cream
07/2021 – “Space Food: How To Make Astronaut Ice Cream”
To make actual freeze dried ice cream, you literally freeze dry regular ice cream. This recipe is for the regular people who do not have freeze driers in their homes!
https://now.northropgrumman.com/roots-in-the-sky-an-astronauts-guide-to-farming-on-mars
10/21 – “Roots in the Sky: An Astronaut’s Guide to Farming on Mars”
Beyond M&Ms, space espresso and astronaut ice cream, a lot of work remains when it comes to securing nutrition in space. Knowing how to cultivate, culture and cycle consumable nutrients will be necessary for humans to successfully settle deep space. And it might be helpful for feeding hungry mouths on our home planet, too.
“Astronaut Ice Cream” is a registered trademark of American Outdoor Products, Inc. LuvyDuvy Co. is not endorsed, sponsored by, or affiliated in any way with American Outdoor Products, Inc.
The above excerpts containing references to “Astronaut Ice Cream” have been reproduced as they originally appeared in their respective publications. The use of “Astronaut Ice Cream” on this website is for identification and reference purposes only and does not imply an association with the trademark holder. Reproduction of the above excerpts is for the purpose of criticism and constitutes fair use pursuant to section 107 of the US Copyright Law.