SP-368 Biomedical Results of Apollo

 

[435] SECTION Vl

 

Systems

 

The Apollo spacecraft and space suits provided a microcosm which sustained the life of astronauts during the voyage to the moon and through periods of lunar surface exploration. This mini-world required a proper atmosphere, food and water provision, waste disposal means, and techniques for ongoing monitoring of astronaut status. The development of these spacecraft systems was a significant part of the Apollo Biomedical Program.

 

CHAPTER 1

APOLLO FOOD TECHNOLOGY

 

by
 
Malcolm C. Smith, D.V.M.
N.D. Heidelbaugh, V.M.D.
Paul C. Rambaut, Sc.D.
R.M. Rapp
Harry O. Wheeler, Ph.D.
Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center
 
C.S. Huber, Ph.D.
C.T. Bourland, Ph.D.
Technology, Inc.
 
Introduction

 

[437] Before man ventured into space for the first time, there was concern that he might choke while attempting to swallow food in zero gravity. Foreign body pneumonia from aspiration of food particles and droplets was feared by some. The ability of man to digest and absorb food in a weightless environment was also seriously debated. These concerns for man's physiological well-being during weightlessness were augmented by fears that the unfamiliar and austere limitations imposed by the space vehicle and flight plans might place unacceptable constraints on the food system. Some food technologists doubted that edible foods could be prepared to withstand conditions of temperature, pressure, and vibration which were characteristic of unmanned space flight vehicles. Limitations on allowable weight and volume would also have direct impact on the food system.

Despite early concerns, restrictions, and technological hurdles surrounding space food development, adequate and acceptable diets were formulated and made available in sufficient time to accommodate the needs of man in space. The earliest food systems used in the Project Mercury flights and the short duration Gemini Program flights resembled military survival rations. For the first long term flight, the two-week Gemini 7 mission, nutritional criteria became important considerations and began to constrain food system designers. Adequate provisions for energy and nutrients had to be made within an exceedingly small weight and volume envelope. This food system envelope, about .77 kg per man per day (1.7 pounds) and 1802 cm3 per man per day (110 cubic inches), also had to allow for all packaging materials needed to protect foods.

[438] Because water produced as a by-product of fuel cell operation in the Gemini spacecraft could be made available, it became highly attractive from a food acceptance and weight savings standpoint to use dehydrated foods that could be reconstituted in flight. This was the departure point for the development of the Apollo food system, and systematic improvements were subsequently made as technology became available and the application was feasible. The results of these efforts are described in this chapter.

 

The Apollo Food System

 

The overall objective of the Apollo food system development program was to provide adequate and safe nutrition for man during the most ambitious space explorations ever attempted. This objective had to be achieved within many critical biological, operational, and engineering constraints. Considerations from which specific constraints were developed are listed in table 1. Details concerning the constraints are described in the Apollo Experience Report - Food Systems (NASA TN D-7720, July 1974).

Table 1

Sources of Constraints on Apollo Food System Development

Biological

Operational

Engineering

.

Safety

Vehicle interface

Weight

Nutrition

Stability

Volume water or rehydration

Organoleptics

Packaging

Personal hygiene

Storage

Pressure

Ingestion

Preparation

Temperature

Digestion

Servicing

Relative humidity

Absorption

Waste disposal

Acceleration

Gastroenterology

Schedules

Vibration

Crew idiosyncracies

Crew time

Power

 

Apollo food system technology evolved over a considerable period of time, with the aid of efforts from the U.S. Air Force Manned Orbiting Laboratory Program, the U.S. Army Natick Laboratories, industry, and universities. The earliest "space foods" were bite-sized foods suitable for eating with one's fingers, and pureed foods, squeezed directly into the mouth from flexible metal toothpaste-type tubes. Extensive modifications in food and food packaging were made throughout Project Mercury and the Gemini and Apollo Programs. Modifications of the food system were especially necessary during the Apollo Program for the following reasons.

 

1. Inflight food consumption proved inadequate to maintain nutritional balance and body weight.
 
2. Inflight nausea, anorexia and undesirable physiological responses experienced by some crewmen were believed to be partly attributable to the foods.
 
[439] 3. Meal preparation and consumption required too much crew time and effort.
 
4. Water for reconstitution of dehydrated foods was unpalatable initially and contained undesirable amounts of dissolved gases.
 
5. Functional failures occurred in the rehydratable food packages in the early Apollo flights.

 

Stepwise modifications of food system technology improved system capability to deliver adequate nutrients in a form that enhanced food acceptance and convenient use. This general trend of increased acceptance was reported by each successive Apollo flight crew.

An overall impression of the evolution of the Apollo food system can be gained by comparing the flight menus for the Apollo 7,11, and 17 missions (tables 2, 3, and 4). The similarity of the menus for each Apollo 7 astronaut should be compared with the high degree of individuality achieved for each Apollo 17 astronaut. This difference resulted from increased personal selection of food items by the astronauts as the program progressed. Table 4 also indicates the greatly increased variety of foods available for Apollo 17 crewmen.

Increased variety of foods was important, but more important was the improvement in quality of individual foods. Improved food quality is not apparent from the listing of foods For example, fruit cocktail was reformulated because the original product became crushed by the effects of atmospheric pressure on the package and it was then difficult to rehydrate.

Details of the evolution in space food science and technology, from the first days of planning for manned space flight to the end of the Apollo Program, can be traced in reports cited in the chronological bibliography at the end of this chapter.

Each mission in the Apollo series had different objectives and requirements, and the scope of the Apollo food system was modified to fit the needs of each. The primary mission phases, from the vantage point of food provision, included times during which the crewmen occupied the Command Module (CM) and the Lunar Module (LM), and times when they were being transported in various vehicles from the recovery site to the NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. A contingency food system also was provided to be used if emergency decompression of the space vehicle occurred. For the Apollo 11 through 14 missions, a postflight quarantine period required a food system for use in the Mobile Quarantine Facility (MQF) and the Lunar Receiving Laboratory (LRL). Each of these environments presented a different set of constraints and requirements for the food system. Inflight metabolic balance studies were conducted on the Apollo 16 and 17 missions. These studies imposed unique requirements on the food system for preflight, inflight, and postflight measurements and control of dietary intake .

Before an Apollo launch, each prime and backup crewmember evaluated available flight foods and selected the food items he preferred. Then the foods were assembled into nutritionally balanced menus which were reviewed by crewmembers and nutritionists for maximum acceptability within nutritional constraints. Finally, the astronauts were briefed on spacecraft food stowage, preparation, and waste disposal.

 

[440] Table 2

Typical Menu Apollo 7-10

A. Commander (CDR)

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

.

Meal A

.

Peaches (R)

Applesauce (R)

Fruit cocktail (R)

Ham and applesauce (R)

Bacon squares (IMB)

Sausage patties (R)

Bacon squares (IMB)

Peanut cubes (DB)

Cinnamon bread cubes (DB)

Apricot cereal cubes (DB)

Cinnamon bread cubes (DB)

Strawberry cereal cubes (DB)

Breakfast drink (R)

Breakfast drink (R)

Breakfastdrink (R)

Breakfast drink (R)

.

Meal B

.

Corn chowder (R)

Tuna salad (R)

Corn chowder (R)

Pea Soup (R)

Chicken sandwiches (DB)

Cinnamon bread cubes (DB)

Beef pot roast (R)

Salmon salad (R)

Coconut cubes (DB)

Chocolate cubes (DB)

Graham cracker cubes (DB)

Cheese sandwiches (DB)

Sugar cookie cubes (DB)

Cocoa (R)

Butterscotch pudding (R)

Cocoa (R)

Cocoa (R)

Cocoa (R)

.

Meal C

.

Beef and gravy (R)

Spaghetti with meat sauce (R)

Potato soup (R)

Shrimp cocktail (R)

Brownies (IMB)

Cheese sandwiches (DB)

Chicken salad (R)

Chicken and gravy (R)

Chocolate pudding (R)

Banana pudding (R)

Beef sandwiches (DB)

Cinnamon bread cubes (DB)

Pineapple grapefruit drink (R)

Pineapple fruit cake (IMB)

Gingerbread (IMB)

Date fruit cake (IMB)

Grapefruit drink (R)

Orange drink (R)

Orange grapefruit drink (R)

.

B. Command Module Pilot (CMP)

.

Meal A

.

Peaches (R)

Applesauce (R)

Fruit cocktail (R)

Ham and apple-sauce (R)

Bacon squares (IMB)

Sausage petties (R)

Bacon squares (lMB)

Peanut cubes (DB)

Cinammon bread cubes (DB)

Apricot cereal cubes (DB)

Cinnamon bread cubes (DB)

Strawberry cereal cubes (DB)

Breakfast drink (R)

Breakfast drink (R)

Breakfast drink (R)

Breakfast drink (R)

R = Rehydratable
DB = Dry bite
IMB = Intermediate moisture bite

 

[441] Table 2 (Continued)

Typical Menu Apollo 7-10

B. Command Module Pilot (CMP) (Continued)

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Meal B

.

Chicken sandwiches (DB)

Tuna salad (R)

Beef pot roast (R)

Pea soup (R)

Coconut cubes (DB)

Cinnamon bread cubes (DB)

Graham cracker cubes (DB)

Salmon salad (R)

Sugar cookie cubes (DB)

Chocolate cubes (DB)

Butterscotch pudding (R)

Cheese sandwiches (DB)

Cocoa (R)

Cocoa (R)

Cocoa (R)

Cocoa (R)

.

Meal C

.

Beef and gravy (R)

Spaghetti with meat sauce (R)

Potato soup (R)

Shrimp cocktail (R)

Brownies (IMB)

Cheese sandwiches (DB)

Chicken salad (R)

Chicken and gravy (R)

Chocolate pudding (R)

Banana pudding (R)

Beef sandwiches (DB)

Cinnamon bread cubes (DB)

Pineapple grapefruit drink (R)

Pineapple fruit cake (IMB)

Gingerbread (IMB)

Date fruit cake (IMB)

Grapefruit drink (R)

Orange drink (R)

Orange grapefruit drink (R)

.

C. Lunar Module Pilot (CMP)

.

Meal A

.

Peaches (R)

Applesauce (R)

Fruit cocktail (R)

Ham and applesauce (R)

Bacon squares (IMB)

Sausage patties (R)

Bacon squares (IMB)

Strawberry cereal cubes (DB)

Cinnamon bread cubes (DB)

Breakfast drink (R)

Cinnamon bread cubes (IMB)

Apricot cereal cubes (DB)

Breakfast drink (R)

Peanut cubes (DB)

Breakfast drink (R)

Breakfast drink (R)

.

Meal B

.

Corn chowder (R)

Tuna salad (R)

Corn chowder (R)

Salmon salad (R)

Chicken sandwiches (DB)

Cinnamon bread cubes (DB)

Beef pot roast (R)

Cheese sandwiches (DB)

Coconut cubes (DB)

Chocolate cubes (DB)

Graham cracker cubes (DB)

Peanut cubes (DB)

Sugar cookie cubes (DB)

Cocoa (R)

Butterscotch pudding (R)

Cocoa (R)

Cocoa (R)

 

 

[442] Table 2 (Continued)

Typical Menu, Apollo 7-10

C. Lunar Module Pilot (LMP) (Continued)

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Meal C

.

Beet and gravy (R)

Spaghetti with meat sauce (R)

Potato soup (R)

Potato salad (R)

Brownies (IMB)

Cheese sandwiches (DB)

Chicken salad (R)

Chicken and gravy (R)

Chocolate pudding (R)

Banana pudding (R)

Beef sandwiches (DB)

Cinnamon bread cubes (DB)

Pineapple grapefruit drink (R)

Pineapple fruit cake (IMB)

Gingerbread (IMB)

Date fruit cake (IMB)

Grapefruit drink (R)

Orange drink (IR)

Orange-grapefruit drink (R)

 

 

The initial Apollo inflight food system consisted of two basic food types: (1) lightweight, shelf-stable, dehydrated foods that required rehydration prior to consumption, and (2) ready-to-eat, dehydrated bite-sized foods. Dehydrated foods were selected because of shelf life and because weight was critical in the Apollo vehicle Approximately 80 percent of the weight of fresh food is water; therefore, the removal of water resulted in a substantial reduction of food system weight. As was previously noted, water for rehydration was available as a by-product of fuel cell operation, wherein hydrogen is combined with oxygen to release electrical energy.

 

Freeze Dehydrated Foods

The optimal method of dehydrating food is freeze dehydration, a technique preferred because of the remarkable preservation of quality in the resulting product Color, texture, flavor, nutrient Content, and reconstitution of foods which are properly freeze-dried closely approximate the original food. However, as with any other method of preservation, the food which is preserved cannot be of higher quality than the original.

The high quality of freeze-dried food derives largely from the technique of removing the water by sublimation directly from ice to vapor with minimum exposure of the food to heat. The food is frozen rapidly in circulating air at a temperature of approximately 233°K (-40°C). The frozen food is then placed in a vacuum chamber, where the pressure is reduced to less than 270 N/m2 (equivalent 2 mm Hg). Energy in the form of heat is applied by means of heating plates maintained at temperatures of 298° to 303°K (equivalent 25° to 30°C), depending on the product. Under vacuum, this heat source provides the energy required to sublime the ice while the temperature of the food is maintained below the eutectic point. The heat input is carefully controlled to provide optimum removal of water vapor, which is collected on condensers within the vacuum chamber. The core of ice in the food completely disappears when the food reaches a moisture content of approximately two percent. This residual moisture remains bound to the food, and the energy level required to free it is greater than that of sublimation.

 

[443] Table 3

Typical Menu, Apollo 11-16

A. Command Module-CDR and CMP

Day 1,* 5

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Meal A

.

Peaches (R)

Fruit cocktail (R)

Peaches (R)

Canadian bacon and applesauce (R)

Bacon squares (8) (IMB)

Sausage patties (SBP)

Bacon squares (8) (IMB)

Sugar coated corn flakes (R)

Strawberry cubes (4) (DB)

Cinnamon toasted bread cubes (4) (DB)

Apricot cereal cubes (4) (DB)

Peanut cubes (4) (DB)

Grape drink (R)

Cocoa (R)

Grape drink (R)

Cocoa (R)

Orange drink (R)

Grapefruit drink (R)

Orange drink (R)

Orange-grapefruit drink (R)

.

Meal B

.

Beef and potatoes (WP)

Frankfurters (WP)

Cream of chicken soup(R)

Shrimp cocktail (R)

Butterscotch pudding (R)

Applesauce (R)

Turkey and gravy (WP)

Ham and potatoes (WP)

Brownies (4) (IMB)

Chocolate pudding (R)

Cheese cracker cubes (6) (DB)

Fruit cocktail (R)

Grape punch (R)

Orange-grapefruit drink (R)

Chocolate cubes (4) (DB)

Date fruit cake (4) (IMB)

Pineapple grapefruit drink (R)

Grapefruit drink (R)

.

Meal C

.

Salmon salad (R)

Spaghetti with meat sauce** (SBP)

Tuna salad (R)

Beef stew (WP)

Chicken and rice (SBP)

Pork and scalloped potatoes (SBP)

Chicken stew (SBP)

Coconut cubes (4) (DB)

Sugar cookie cubes (6) (DB)

Pineapple fruit cake (4) (IMB)

Butterscotch pudding (R)

Banana pudding (R)

Cocoa (R)

Grape punch (R)

Cocoa (R)

Grape punch (R)

Pineapple grapefruit drink (R)

Grapefruit drink (R)

 

*Day 1 consisted of meals B and C only
**CMP substituted potato soup (R)
R = Rehydratable
I = irradiated
DB = Dry bite
WP = Wet pack
IMB = intermediate moisture bite
SBP = Spoon-bowl packet

 

[444] Table 3 (Continued)

Typical Menu, Apollo 11-16

B. Command Module-LMP

Day 1,*

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Meal A

.

Peaches (R)

Fruit cocktail (R)

Peaches (R)

Canadian bacon and applesauce (R)

Bacon squares (8) (IMB)

Sausage patties (SBP)

Bacon squares (8) (IMB)

Sugar coated corn flakes (R)

Strawberry cubes (4) (DB)

Cinnamon toasted bread cubes (4) (DB)

Apricot cereal cubes (4) (DB)

Peanut cubes (4) (DB)

Grape drink (R)

Cocoa (R)

Grape drink (R)

Cocoa (R)

Orange drink (R)

Grapefruit drink (R)

Orange drink (R)

Orange grapefruit drink (R)

.

Meal B

.

Beef and potatoes (WP)

Frankfurters (WP)

Cream of chicken soup(R)

Shrimp cocktail (R)

Butterscotch pudding (R)

Applesauce (R)

Turkey and gravy (WP)

Ham and potatoes (SBP)

Brownies (4) (IMB)

Chocolate pudding (R)

Cheese cracker cubes (6) (DB)

Fruit cocktail (R)

Grape punch (R)

Orange grapefruit drink (R)

Chocolate Cubes (4) (DB)

Date fruit cake (4) (IMB)

Pineapple grapefruit drink (R)

Grapefruit drink (R)

.

Meal C

.

Salmon salad (R)

Potato soup (R)

Tuna salad (R)

Beef stew (SBP)

Chicken end rice (SBP)

Pork and scalloped potatoes (R)

Chicken stew (SBP)

Coconut cubes (4) (DB)

Sugar cookie cubes (6) (DB)

Pineapple fruit cake (4) (IMB)

Butterscotch pudding (R)

Banana pudding (R)

Cocoa (R)

Grape punch (R)

Cocoa (R)

Grape punch (R)

Pineapple-grapefruit drink (R)

Grapefruit drink (R)

* Day 1 consisted of meals B and C only.

 

 

[445] Table 3 (Continued)

Typical Menu, Apollo 11-16

C. Lunar Module

Meal A

Meal B

.

Bacon squares (8) (IMB)

Beef stew (R)

Peaches (R)

Cream of chicken soup (R)

Sugar cookie cubes (6) (DB)

Date fruit cake (4) (IMB)

Coffee (R)

Grape punch (R)

Pineapple-grapefruit drink (R)

Orange drink (R)

.

Additional items

Units

.

Extra beverage (R)

8

Dried fruit (IMB)

4

Candy bar (IMB)

4

Bread (I)

2

Ham salad spread (tube food)

1

Turkey and gravy (WP)

2

.

D. Pantry Stowage

.

Accessories

Units

Breakfast

Units

.

Chewing gum

15

Peaches

6

Wet skin cleaning towels

30

Fruit cocktail

6

Oral hygiene kit

1

Canadian bacon and applesauce

3

3 toothbrushes

.

Bacon squares (8)

12

1 edible toothpaste

.

Sausage patties*

3

1 dental floss

.

Sugar coated corn flakes

6

Contingency feeding system

1

Strawberry cubes (4)

3

3 food restrainer pouches

.

Cinnamon toasted bread cubes (4)

6

3 beverage packages

.

Apricot cereal cubes (4)

3

1 valve adapter (pontube)

.

Peanut cubes (4)

3

Spoons

.

.

.

Germicidal tablets (20)

.

.

.

Total Units

53

Total Units

51

.

Rehydratable Desserts

Units

.

Banana pudding

6

Butterscotch pudding

6

Applesauce

6

Chocolate pudding

6

Total units

24

* Spoon bowl package

 

[446] Table 3 (Continued)

Typical Menu, Apollo 11-16

D. Pantry Stowage (continued)

.

Beverages

Units

Bites

Units

.

Orange drink

6

Cheese cracker cubes (6)

6

Orange grapefruit drink

3

BBQ beef bites (4)

6

Pineapple-grapefruit drink

3

Chocolate cubes (4)

6

Grapefruit drink

3

Brownies (4)

6

Grape drink

6

Date fruit cake (4)

6

Grape punch

3

Pineapple fruit cake (4)

6

Cocoa

6

Jellied fruit candy (4)

6

Coffee (B)

15

Nutrient defined food sticks (4)

6

Coffee (S)

15

.

Coffee (C & S)

15

Total Units

75

Total Units

48

.

Salads/Meats

Units

Salads/Meats

Units

.

Salmon salad

3

Chicken and rice*

6

Tuna salad

3

Chicken stew*

3

Cream of chicken soup

6

Beef stew*

3

Shrimp cocktail

6

Pork and scalloped potatoes*

6

Spaghetti and meat sauce

6

Ham and potatoes (wet)

3

Beef pot roast

3

Turkey and gravy (wet)

6

Beef and vegetables

3

.

.

Total Units

57

.

Bread

Units

Dried Fruits

Units

.

Rye

4

Apricots

6

White

4

Peaches

6

Cheese

4

Pears

6

Total Units

12

Total Units

18

.

Sandwich Spread

Units

.

Ham salad (226.8 gm [8 oz])

1

Tuna salad (226.8 gm [8 oz] )

1

Chicken salad (226.8 gm c8 oz] )

1

Cheddar cheese (56.7 gm [2 oz])

3

Total Units

6

* Spoon bowl package

 

[447] Table 3 (Continued)

Typical Menu, Apollo 11-16

 

E. Low Residue Diet, One Day Before Flight

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

.

Strained grapefruit 113.4gm (1/2c)

Beef with rice soup 113.4gm (1/2c)

Tomato juice cocktail 170.1 gm (3/4 c)

Cream of rice 113.4 gm (1 /2 c)

Crackers (4 squares)

Roast beef au jus 170.1 gm (6oz)

Scrambled eggs (2)

Sliced chicken sandwich 113.4 gm meat (4 oz); 2 slices of bread

Buttered noodles 113.4gm (1/2c)

Breakfast steak 170.1 gm (6 oz)

Cottage cheese-pear salad

1 pear half; 113.4 gm cheese (1/2 c)

Pureed beets 113.4gm(1/2c)

Toast (1 slice)

Angle food cake with rum sauce

Hard roll (1)

Butter 9.45 gm (2 tsp)

Coffee or tea

Butter 9.45 gm (2 tsp)

Grape jelly (or substitute)

Sugar

Sherbet 113.4gm (1/2c)

Coffee

Coffee or tea

Sugar

Sugar

.

F. Low Residue Diet, Two Days Before Flight

.

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

.

Tomato juice 113.4 gm (1/2 c)

Apple juice 113.4 gm (1/2 c)

Beef consomme 113.4 gm (1/2 c)

Canadian bacon (2 slices)

Broiled flounder 170.1 gm (6 oz)

Baked chicken 170.1 gm (6 oz)

Soft cooked eggs (2)

Paprika potatoes 113.4gm (1/2c)

Buttered rice 113.4gm (1/2c)

Toast (1 slice)

Pureed green beams 113.4 gm (1/2 c)

Pureed carrots 113.4 gm (1/2 c)

Butter 9.45 gm (2 tsp)

Hard roll (1)

Whipped strawberry gelatin dessert

Cream of rice 113.4 gm (1/2 c)

Butter 9.45 gm (2 tsp)

Lady fingers (2)

Sugar

Lime sherbet 113.4 gm (1/2c)

Tea or coffee

Grape jelly

Vanilla wafers (2)

.

Coffee

Coffee

 

Critical relationships exist between pressure and temperature during the drying process, and criteria were developed for each food employed in the system. These criteria were developed to assure the most rapid method of processing while maintaining organoleptic quality and preventing destruction of nutrients.

 

Bite-Sized Foods

Bite-sized, ready-to-eat foods supplemented rehydratable foods for the first Apollo manned flight. These bite sized foods were either dehydrated (moisture less than two percent) or prepared so that water in the product would be bound and, therefore, not available for microbial growth. The latter category is generally referred to as intermediate-moisture food to differentiate it from fresh foods at one extreme and dehydrated food at the other. The intermediate-moisture foods (moisture less than 40 percent) are highly acceptable since they closely approximate the texture of fresh foods and are ready to eat without reconstitution. Even with this combination of foods, however, the range of texture and tastes was fairly limited for early Apollo astronauts, a situation that was gradually rectified throughout the program.

[448] Table 4

Apollo 17 Menu

A Command Module-Commander

Day 1,* 5,9,** 13

Day 2,6, *** 10,14***

Day 3,11

Day 4,12

.

Meal A

.

Bacon squares (8) (IMB)

Spiced oat cereal (RSB)

Scrambled eggs (RSB)

Sausage patties (R)

Scrambled eggs (RSB)

Sausage patties (R)

Bacon squares (8) (IMB)

Apricot cereal cubes (4) (DB)

Corn flakes (RSB)

Mixed fruit (WP)

Peaches (WP)

Fruit cocktail (R)

Peaches (RSB)

Cinnamon toast bread (4) (DB)

Pineapple grapefruit drink (R)

Pears (IMB)

Orange beverage (R)

Instant breakfast (R)

Cocoa (w/K) (R)

Cocoa (w/K) (R)

Cocoa (R)

Coffee (w/K) (R)

Coffee (R)

.

Meal B

.

Chicken and rice soup (RSB)

Corn chowder (RSB)

Lobster bisque (RSB)

Chicken soup (RSB)

Meatballs and sauce (WP)

Frankfurters (WP)

Peanut butter (WP)

Ham (1)

Fruit cake (NC) (WP)

White bread (2) (I)

Jelly (WP)

Cheddar cheese spread (WP)

Lemon pudding (WP)

Catsup (WP)

White bread (1) (I)

Rye bread (1 ) (I)

Orange-pineapple drink (R)

Apricots (IMB)

Chocolate bar (IMB)

Cereal bar (IMB)

Orange-grapefruit drink (R)

Orange grapefruit drink (w/K) (R)

Orange beverage (R)

.

Meal C

.

Potato soup (RSB)

Turkey and gravy (WP)

Shrimp cocktail (RSB)

Tomato soup (RSB)

Beef and gravy (WP)

Pork and potatoes (RSB)

Beef steak (WP)

Hamburger (WP)

Chicken stew (RSB)

Brownies (4) (IMB)

Butterscotch pudding (RSB)

Mustard (WP)

Peach ambrosia (RSB)

Orange juice (R)

Peaches (IMB)

Vanilla pudding (WP)

Gingerbread (4) (IMB)

Lemonade (R)

Orange drink (w/K) (R)

Date fruit cake (4) (IMB)

Citrus beverage (R)

Orange pineapple drink (W/K) (R)

*Meal C only
**Meals B and C only
*** Meal A only
R = Rehydratable
NC - Nutrient complete
I = Irradiated
w/K = Fortified with 10 mEq of potassium
DB = Dry bite
IMB - Intermediate moisture bite
WP = wet pack (thermostabilized)
RSB = Rehydratable spoon-bowl
 

 

[449] Table 4 (Continued)

Apollo 17 menu

B. Command Module-Command Module Pilot

Day 1,* 5,9,13

Day 2,6,10,14**

Day 3,7,11

Day 4, 8,12

Meal A

.

Bacon squares (8) (IMB)

Spiced oat cereal (RSB)

Scrambled eggs (RSB)

Sausage (R)

Scrambled eggs (RSB)

Sausage patties (R)

Bacon squaras (8) (IMB)

Grits (RSB)

Corn flakes (RSB)

Mixed fruit (WP)

Peaches (WP)

Fruit cocktail (R)

Apricots (IMB)

Instant breakfast (R)

Cinnamon toast bread (4) (DB)

Orange beverage (R)

Orange juice (R)

Coffee (w/K) (R)

Orange juice (R)

Coffee (w/K) (R)

Cocoa (w/K) (R)

.

Meal B

.

Chicken and rice soup (RSB)

Frankfurters (WP)

Lobster bisque (RSB)

Ham (I)

Meatballs with sauce (WP)

White bread (2) (1)

Peanut buttar (WP)

Cheddar cheese spread (WP)

Fruit cake (NC) (WP)

Catsup (WP)

Jelly (WP)

Rye bread (1) (I)

Butterscotch pudding (WP)

Pears (IMB)

White bread (1) (I)

Peaches (RSB)

Orange-pineapple drink (R)

Chocolate pudding (RSB)

Cherry bar (1) (IMB)

Cereal bar (IMB)

Grape drink (w/K) (R)

Citrus beverage (w/K) (R)

Orange-pineapple drink (w/K) (R)

.

Meal C

.

Potato soup (RSB)

Corn chowder (RSB)

Shrimp cocktail (RSB)

Tomato soup (RSB)

Beef and Gravy (WP)

Turkey and Gravy (WP)

Beef steak (WP)

Hamburger (WP)

Chicken stew (RSB)

Chocolate bar (IMB)

Butterscotch pudding (RSB)

Mustard (WP)

Ambrosia (RSB)

Orange beverage (R)

Orange drink (w/K) (R)

Vanilla pudding (WP)

Brownies (4) (IMB)

Sugar cookies (4) (DB)

Orange grapefruit drink (R)

Caramel candy (IMB)

Grape drink (w/K) (R)

* Meal C only
** Meal A only

 

[450] Table 4 (Continued)

Apollo 17 Menu

 

C. Command Module-Lunar Module Pilot

Day 1,* 5,9,** 13

Day 2,6, *** 10,14***

Day 3,11

Day 4,12

.

Meal A

.

Sacon squares (8) (IMB)

Sausage Patties (R)

Scrambled eggs (RSB)

Sausage Patties (R)

Scrambled eggs (RSB)

Cinnamon toast bread (4) (DB)

Bacon squares (8) (IMB)

Grits (RSB)

Corn flakes (RSB)

Mixed fruit (WP)

Peaches (WP)

Peaches (RSB)

Apricots (IMB)

Instant breakfast (R)

Orange-pineapple drink (w/K) (R)

Pears (IMB)

Cocoa (w/K) (R)

Coffee (w/K)(R)

Cocoa (R)

Pineapple-grapefruit drink (R)

.

Meal B

.

Chicken and rice soup (RSB)

Corn chowder (RSB)

Potato soup (RSB)

Chicken soup (RSB)

Meatballs with sauce (WP)

Frankfurters (WP)

Peanut butter (WP)

Ham (I)

Fruit cake (NC) (WP)

White bread (1) (I)

Jelly (WP)

Cheddar cheese spread (WP)

Lemon pudding (WP)

Catsup (WP)

White bread (1) (I)

Rye bread (1) (I)

Citrus beverage (R)

Chocolate pudding (RSB)

Cherry bar (1) (IMB)

Cereal bar (IMB)

Orange-grapefruit drink (w/K) (R)

Orange grapefruit drink (w/K) (R)

Orange drink (w/K) (R)

.

Meal C

.

Lemonade (R)

Turkey and gravy (WP)

Shrimp cocktail (RSB)

Tomato soup (RSB)

Beef and gravy (WP)

Pork and potatoes (RSB)

Beef steak (WP)

Hamburger (WP)

Chicken stew (RSB)

Caramel candy (IMB)

Butterscotch pudding (RSB)

Mustard (WP)

Ambrosia (RSB)

Orange juice (R)

Peaches (RSB)

Vanilla pudding (WP)

Gingerbread (4) (IMB)

Orange drink (w/K) (R)

Chocolate bar (IMB)

Grapefruit drink (w/K) (R)

Grape drink (w/K) (R)

*Meal c only
**Meals B and c only
***Meal A only

 

 

[451] Table 4 (Continued)

Apollo 17 Menu

D. Lunar Module-Commander

Day 6

Day 7

Day 8

Day 9

.

Meal B

Meal A

Meal A

Meal A

.

Corn chowder (RSB)

Scrambled eggs (RSB)

Sausage patties (R)

Bacon squares (8) (IMB)

Frankfurters (WP)

Bacon squares (8) (IMB)

Apricot cereal cubes (8) (DB)

Scrambled eggs (RSB)

White bread (2) (I)

Peaches (IMB)

Fruit cocktail (R)

Corn flakes (RSB)

Catsup (WP)

Peanut butter (WP)

Pears (IMB)

Beef and gravy (WP)

Apricots (IMB)

Jelly (WP)

Cereal bar (IMB)

Fruit cake (NC) (WP)

Orange-grapefruit drink (R)

White bread (1) (I)

Cheese cracker cubes (4) (DB)

Peaches (RSB)

Tea (R)

Chocolate bar (IMB)

Ham (I)

Cocoa (R)

Lemonade (R)

Pineapple-grapefruit drink (R)

Cocoa (R)

Orange beverage (R)

Orange-grapefruit drink (w/K) (R)

Tea (R)

Tea (R)

Cocoa (w/K) (R)

Spiced oat cereal (RSB)

Tea (R)

Lemonade (R)

.

Meal C

Meal B

Meal B

.

.

Spaghetti and meat sauce (RSB)

Chicken and rice (RSB)

Lobster bisque (RSB)

.

Turkey and gravy (WP)

Shrimp cocktail (RSB)

Hamburger (WP)

Pork and potatoes (RSB)

Beef steak (WP)

Mustard (WP)

Brownies (4) (IMB)

Beef sandwiches (4) (DB)

Cheddar cheese spread (WP)

Orange beverage (R)

Butterscotch pudding (RSB)

Rye bread (1) (I)

Tea (R)

Graham cracker cubes (6) (DB)

Date fruit cake (4) (IMB)

Orange drink (w/K) (R)

Orange-pineapple drink (w/K) (R)

Tea (R)

Orange beverage (R)

Tea (R)

 

[452] Table 4 (Continued)

Apollo 17 Menu

D. Lunar Module-Commander

Day 6

Day 7

Day 8

Day 9

.

Meal B

Meal A

Meal A

Meal A

.

Corn chowder (RSB)

Scrambled eggs (RSB)

Sausage patties (R)

Bacon squares (8) (IMB)

Frankfurters (WP)

Bacon squares (S) (IMB)

Spiced oet cereel (RSB)

Scrambled eggs (RSB)

White bread (2) (1)

Peaches (IMB)

Peaches (RSB)

Corn flakes (RSB)

Catsup (WP)

Peanut butter (WP)

Pears (IMB)

Apricots (IMB)

Chocolate pudding (RSB)

Jelly (WP)

Cereal bar (IMB)

Cocoa (R)

Orange-grapefruit drink (R)

White breed (1) (I)

Gingerbreed (6) (IMB)

Tee (R)

Tea (R)

Orange-grapefruit drink (w/K) (R)

Ham (I)

Beef and gravy (WP)

Lemonade (R)

Cocoa (w/K) (R)

Pineapple-grapefruit drink (R)

Fruit cake (NC) (WP)

Tea (R)

Tee (R)

Fruit cocktail (R)

.

Meal C

Meal B

Meal B

.

.

Turkey and gravy (WP)

Chicken and rice (RSB)

Potato soup (RSB)

.

Pork and potatoes (RSB)

Shrimp cocktail (RSB)

Hamburger (WP)

Caramel candy (IMB)

Beef steak (WP)

Mustard (WP)

Orange beverage (R)

Beef sandwiches (4) (DB)

Cheddar cheese spread (WP)

Tea (R)

Butterscotch pudding (RSB)

Rye bread (1) (I)

Graham cracker cubes (6) (DB)

Chocolate bar (IMB)

Orange drink (w/K) (R)

Banana pudding (RSB)

Orange-pineapple drink (R)

Orange drink (w/K) (R )

Tea (R)

Grape drink (w/K) (R)

Tea (R)

 

[453] Table 4 (Continued)

Apollo 17 Menu

F. Pantry Stowage items

Beverages

Qty.

Accessories

Qty.

Accessories(continued)

Qty.

.

Coffee

20

Contingency beverages (R) (for contingency use only)

.

In suit food bar assembly

.

Tea

20

Instant breakfast

15

In suit drinking device

.

Grape drink

10

Orange drink

5

Spoon assembly (2)

.

Grape punch

10

Pineapple orange drink

5

Germicidel tablets pouch (42)

1

Lemonade

5

Germicidal tablets pouch (20)

1

.

Snack Items

Qty.

Snack Items (continued)

Qty.

.

.

Bacon squares (4) (IMB)

9

Sugar cookies (4) (DB)

6

.

Apricot cereal cubes (DB)

6

Apricots (IMB)

3

Brownies (4) (IMB)

3

Peaches (IMB)

3

Gingerbread (4) (IMB)

3

Pears (IMB)

3

Graham crackers (4)

6

Chocolate bar (IMB)

3

Jellied candy (IMB)

6

Tuna salad spread (WP) (small cans)

2

Peach ambrosia (RSB)

3

Catsup (WP)

3

Pecans (6) (IMB)

6

Selt packets

6

Fruit cake (WP) (NC)

3

 

[454] Packaging

Packaging, like food items themselves, underwent substantial modification during the Apollo Program. Flexible packaging protected each individual portion of food and made handling and consumption easier. A series of redesign cycles finally resulted in a rehydratable food package that had (1) an improved, transparent barrier-film of laminated polyethylene-fluorohalocarbon-polyester-polyethylene; (2) a water injection port consisting of a one-way, spring-loaded valve; and (3) an improved opening that permitted food consumption in weightlessness with a conventional tablespoon.

Cold [equivalent283°K (10°C)] and hot [equivalent333°K (60°C)] water were available for food preparation. Following water injection with the Apollo water dispenser, the food package was kneaded to rehydrate the food and then opened for consumption. Early packages, shown in figure 1, were fitted with plastic tubes through which rehydrated food was extruded into the mouth. This configuration was changed by the introduction of a spoon-bowl package, pictured in figure 2 and described in greater detail in the following sections.