NASA Astronauts Celebrate Thanksgiving in Space with a Unique Twist: Russian Cranberry Sauce!

NASA astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) celebrate Thanksgiving with a festive meal, about 250 miles above Earth. This year’s menu includes both traditional fare and some unique items.

Astronaut Mike Fincke shared his excitement, having celebrated Thanksgiving in space before. He said, “This is my second Thanksgiving in space, so I highly recommend it.” The crew received a “Holiday Bulk Overwrapped Bag” during a supply mission, filled with festive treats like clams, oysters, crab, quail, and smoked salmon.

Zena Cardman, another astronaut, expressed gratitude for the efforts of ground teams and NASA’s food lab. They worked hard to prepare meals that suit the microgravity environment. Cardman mentioned they would enjoy classic dishes like turkey and mashed potatoes, all neatly packaged. “We’ve even got some lobster,” she noted, anticipating a delicious meal.

Interestingly, some of the food is a collaboration with international partners. For example, Fincke showed a can of cranberry sauce from Russia, saying it’s a fun reminder of home. Even though they’ll miss their families, they feel a strong bond with their “space family” aboard the ISS.

The Thanksgiving gathering isn’t just an American tradition. The astronauts also share the meal with three Russian cosmonauts and Kimiya Yui from Japan. Yui noted, “We don’t have Thanksgiving in Japan, but here, on ISS, everybody respects each other’s culture.”

This year, excitement builds as a Soyuz rocket scheduled to launch new crew members is set to arrive just in time for dinner, showing how interconnected the space community is.

In recent years, space missions have become increasingly international. A 2022 report showed over 40 countries were involved in human spaceflight, compared to just a handful a few decades ago. This reflects a growing cooperation in space exploration, where different cultures come together, even for holidays.

Social media reactions have also highlighted the meal. Fans send best wishes, and many express curiosity about what it’s like to eat in space. As the ISS crew enjoys their unique Thanksgiving, they’re not just celebrating a holiday; they’re setting an example of intercultural respect and unity in an extraordinary environment.

For more insights on how astronauts celebrate holidays in space, check out NASA’s official site.

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