16 replies to this topic

[col klink]

But on a broader note, how many different types of drinks are there on the shuttle when it's in orbit? And, are the drinks reconstitued in orbit or are they brought up as is?

Thanks, this is really cool!

[Vickie Kloeris]

All of the beverages supplied as part of the U.S. food system are in powdered form and are rehydrated by the crewmembers on orbit using hot or cold water, depending upon the beverage. We currently have 49 beverages on the U.S. food list, seven of which are different flavors of Tang. This sounds like a huge amount of beverages, but you have to realize that this list includes coffee and tea fixed any way a crewmember might want it...black, with cream, with cream and sugar, etc.

[slkinsey]

So they really do still drink Tang?! That is so cool!

At least my 7 year-old self had one thing in common with the astronauts!

[Vickie Kloeris]

Yes, indeed they do and they have done so throughout the space program.

[phaelon56]

My late grandfatehr was a space program junkie who loved anything and everything associated with it. They spent the winters in Florida and he would routinely drag my grandmother along with him from the Gulf coast for a ride over to Cape Canaveral to see some of the early lift-offs.

Apart from the smell of Ben-Gay liniment that permeated their home, one of my most distinct childhood memories associated with that household was the ever present Tang. Despite the fact that everyone else in the family preferred real OJ, he drank only Tang for breakfast once the astronauts started drinking it. I'm amazed that it's still in use. Is there a freeze dried or powdered beverage available on the shuttle that more closely resembles real OJ or is Tang still the only option?

[Vickie Kloeris]

Actually we do now fly a spray-dried orange juice that is a true juice, so it is also an option for crewmembers to choose.

[Pan]

I hope this isn't a stupid question, but what does "spray-dried" mean?

[Vickie Kloeris]

It's just the name of the process they use to dry the juice.

[Jason Perlow]

Pan: Spray drying is a unit operation in which a liquid feed is converted to dry spherical particles in a single processing step. Its a commercial drying process thats used for all sorts of products, not just liquids for use in space.

http://www.wsu.edu:8...rying-intro.htm

[Huevos del Toro]

I hope this isn't a stupid question, but what does "spray-dried" mean?

Spray Drying Process

Love that Google!

Man, Jason. We musta been synchronized!

Edited by Huevos del Toro, 15 January 2004 - 07:44 AM.

[branch]

nm... question answered

search button is my friend

Edited by branch, 15 January 2004 - 12:53 PM.

[Pan]

Thanks for the links on spray drying, guys! Fascinating!

Does reconstituted spray-dried orange juice taste about as similar to something like Tropicana not-from-concentrate orange juice as from-concentrate orange juice does?

[Vickie Kloeris]

Not quite, but close. Certainly a lot closer than Tang or its relatives. The spray-dried juices are difficult for us to work with because they are so hygroscopic. It makes them more difficult to rehydrate than the Tangs and Kool-Aids.

[Pan]

You just taught me a new word, Vickie!

Merriam-Webster definition of "hygroscopic"

Definition 1. is most relevant:

1 : readily taking up and retaining moisture

[Vickie Kloeris]

Sorry, should have better explained.

[Pan]

I appreciate that you used a word I didn't know, because now I know it.

[Vickie Kloeris]

Have enjoyed my dialogue with you this week!