How astronauts eat in space: Shubhanshu Shukla breaks it down in this video

How Astronauts Eat in Space: Shubhanshu Shukla Explains Zero-Gravity Meals

Eating in space is not as simple as grabbing a sandwich or pouring a glass of water. Without gravity, every bite and sip requires careful handling, or food could float away and create a mess. Indian astronaut and Indian Air Force (IAF) officer Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla recently explained the tricks and techniques astronauts use to eat in zero gravity in a video on Instagram.

“Food in space. Never thought I would have to learn to eat again,” Shukla writes, highlighting the importance of mindfulness while dining in zero gravity. Unlike on Earth, a lack of gravity means even small missteps can create a floating mess. His advice? Take it slow. “Solid mantra that works for anything in space: ‘Slow is Fast,’” he explains.

Shukla also shared an interesting science fact: digestion in space does not rely on gravity. The human body uses a process called peristalsis, where muscles contract and relax to push food through the digestive tract. Whether an astronaut is head-up, head-down, or floating weightlessly, their body continues to digest food efficiently, proving that gravity is not required for this vital process.

The video offers a fascinating glimpse into life aboard the International Space Station, where even routine tasks like eating require careful attention and new habits. For anyone curious about the realities of space travel, Shukla’s explanation shows that while zero gravity changes the environment, the human body remains remarkably adaptable.

Watch Shubhanshu Shukla explain it all here

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