Personalised Dietary Plans And Health Effects On Astronauts In Extra-Terrestrial Habitats

Abstract

Astronaut nutrition is an important aspect to consider for extra-terrestrial missions. It encompasses microbiological risks for humans, individual nutritional needs and the social well-being of astronauts. During a two-week analogue astronaut mission to the Moon, research focusing on the dietary needs and health of each crew member was performed. A crew of six analog astronauts, from the EuroMoonMars IMA HI-SEAS II (EMMIHS-II) mission followed a pre-prepared personal menu based on their intolerances and daily activities. The first things that needed to be considered was the sanitary aspect of the missions, as it severely limits food choices. Fresh foods that are consumed on Earth are microbiologically fragile and occupy an important conservation space air. In order to ensure food safety and optimize storage space, the only food taken on the EMMIHS-II mission was freezedried. Prior to the mission, the food rations and distribution amongst crewmembers was determined according to the average nutritional and calorific needs of the group. To maintain a basal metabolism, a balanced nutrition is required. A healthy and sufficient food intake is of high importance, particularly due to the regular physical activity each crewmember performs during Extra Vehicular Activities (EVAs) that the crew performed daily. It was not possible to determine the actual amount of energy consumed on a daily basis during this mission for logistical reasons. It was also not possible to weigh out the food…