Page Contents
The time Kellogg’s went to the moon
In the realm of space exploration, astronauts have had to find innovative ways to meet their nutritional needs while venturing beyond the confines of Earth. This quest for sustenance has led to remarkable developments in astronaut food technology. One notable chapter in this story involves Kellogg’s, the iconic American food brand, and its role in supplying breakfast cereal to the Apollo 11 mission as it made its historic journey to the moon.
Evolution of Astronaut Food
Astronaut food has come a long way since Yuri Alekseyevich Gagarin’s pioneering space trip in 1961, when he enjoyed a meal of beef and liver paste from a squeezable tube. According to Business Insider, Gagarin was even treated to chocolate sauce served in a similar tube for dessert. But advances in technology have revolutionized the way astronauts eat in space.
NASA, in its commitment to establishing a sustainable presence on the moon, has envisioned a lunar station with a garden capable of growing fresh produce like lettuce, strawberries, carrots, and potatoes using LED lights, according to Business Insider. This represents a shift towards healthier and more natural food options for space travelers, leaving the days of liquefied beef behind.
Apollo 11 and Kellogg’s cereal
When Apollo 11 embarked on its historic mission to the moon in 1969, the astronauts on board, including Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, relied on packaged food for sustenance. Among the various food options, it was Kellogg’s cereal that made space history.
Kellogg’s supplied the Apollo 11 mission with cubes of cereal, offering choices such as Corn Flakes with a hint of fruit and classic Frosted Flakes, according to the Kellogg’s website. By providing an essential part of the astronauts’ breakfast, Kellogg’s played an important role in contributing to the crew’s recommended daily caloric intake of more than 2,500 calories, according to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.
Kellogg’s contributions
In addition to meeting the nutritional needs of the astronauts, Kellogg’s provided an element of excitement for young Earthlings back home. While Apollo 11 was in space, Kellogg’s offered 20 different spaceship-themed stickers as prizes in its cereal boxes, allowing children to join the adventure of the lunar mission from the comfort of their breakfast tables.
Interestingly, the tradition of serving cereal in space continues to this day. According to Thrillist, NASA astronaut Tom Marshburn revealed that Bran Flakes is one of the preferred breakfast options aboard the International Space Station. To mimic the flavor of cereal on Earth, astronauts mix powdered milk and water with the cereal, although the verdict on its alien flavor is still up for debate.
Conclusion
Kellogg’s iconic cereal played an important role in the Apollo 11 space mission. By providing astronauts with a familiar and nutritious breakfast option, Kellogg’s contributed to the success of the mission and the well-being of the crew. This partnership between a beloved food brand and the historic moon landing serves as a reminder of the ingenuity and collaboration required to push the boundaries of human exploration. As we marvel at the achievements of the past, we can also look forward to the future of space food, where fresh produce and healthier options may become the norm for our intrepid space travelers.
FAQS
Did the astronauts really eat Kellogg’s cereal on their way to the moon?
Yes, the astronauts aboard Apollo 11 ate Kellogg’s cereal during their trip to the moon. It provided them with a familiar and nutritious breakfast option.
What varieties of Kellogg’s cereal were available to the astronauts?
The astronauts had a choice of Kellogg’s cereals, including Corn Flakes with a hint of fruit and classic Frosted Flakes.
How did Kellogg’s help feed the astronauts in space?
By providing part of the astronauts’ breakfast, Kellogg’s helped meet the recommended daily caloric intake of over 2,500 calories, ensuring the crew had the energy they needed for their mission.
Did Kellogg’s offer any special promotions related to the lunar mission?
Yes, while Apollo 11 was in space, Kellogg’s offered 20 different spaceship-themed stickers as prizes in its cereal boxes so kids could share in the excitement of the lunar mission.
Do they still serve cereal in space today?
Yes, cereal is still part of the astronaut diet in space. NASA astronaut Tom Marshburn has mentioned that Bran Flakes is one of his favorite breakfast options aboard the International Space Station.
Will future space missions focus on providing more natural and fresh food options for astronauts?
NASA has plans to build a lunar station with a garden capable of growing fresh produce using LED lights. This indicates a shift toward healthier and more natural food options for future space travelers.