NASA Special Collection Database

Category Food/Consumables

Description 18" x 18" Clear plastic trapezoidal container in light blue plastic cover. Holds 32 oz. of liquid. Writing on artifact: 32 oz. max, 01, 1771, 6/01, NAS9-20000. Cover has red and white sticker. Item is in superior condition.

Barcode 31315006850437

Provenance Shipped from George C. Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, AL 35812, Greg Tate. Currently Held at the Orland Park Public Library NASA Special Collection. Item is part of order #23-1.

Purpose Drink bags were installed in astronaut’s suits after the Apollo 12 mission, to allow easier access to water. Re-hydrating was crucial for the astronauts as they were in very warm conditions and perspiring often. They are still used in missions.

For more information:
http://history.nasa.gov/alsj/alsj-DrinkFood.html

http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/experiments/2029.html

For a great picture of our drink bag:
http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/spacesuits/home/clickable_suit_nf.html#.VqKdY7HUBI0

Category Food/Consumables

Description Three packets of consumable material; Fiesta Chicken(8" X 4.5"), Potato Medley(8" X 4.5"), and Green Tea w/Sugar(9" X 4"). Each packet has NASA stickers with "Not for Consumption". Each item has a barcode and contents label. Two have olive green packaging and one has silver packaging. Items are in very good condition.

Barcode 31315006311208

Provenance Shipped from Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD. Currently held in the Orland Park Public Library NASA Special Collection. Not flown. Part of order #SP-01.

Purpose To prevent food from spoiling and spilling aboard a space shuttle food is either partially or completely dehydrated. This is done through a preservation process known as freeze-drying. Prior to packaging, the food is quick-frozen and then placed into a vacuum chamber. This removes moisture from the food. They are then packaged while still in the vacuum chamber. Freeze-drying keeps the nutrition content high almost indefinitely and keeps it tasting good. They require no refrigeration. While some food may be eaten without preparation others have to have water added to them.

Information gathered at:
http://science.howstuffworks.com/astronauts-eat-in-space.htm and
http://airandspace.si.edu/exhibitions/apollo-to-the-moon/online/astronaut-life/food-in-space.cfm

Category Food/Consumables

Description One 6 oz. tube of Fruit of the Earth Aloe Vera 100% Gel. Has blue cap and tube is in a zip-lock bag. Has sticker, P/N 528-43025-1. Item is in pristine condition.

Barcode 31315005271064

Provenance Shipped from LBJ Space Center. Currently held in the Orland Park Public Library NASA Special Collection. Not flown. Part of order #7.

Purpose Astronauts experience dry, itchy skin, with a tendency of getting skin infections during long trips in space. Moisturizing gel is used to hydrate and strengthen skin.

Category Food/Consumables

Description Eleven, 3.75" X 8.75" silver pouches with applicator tubing. Some tubes are attached and some are not. Each has light blue Velcro dots to hold them together. Blue label on each says, NO RINSE BODY BATH POUCH ASSY, Add 6 oz. hot water, 2 oz cold water P/N SED32103194-303. All items included are in superior condition.

Barcode 31315006360981

Provenance Item shipped from Johnson Space Center, Houston TX. Currently held in the Orland Park Public Library NASA Special Collection. Not flown. Part of order 16-2.

Purpose Astronauts use rinse less soap, rather than be rinsed off with water. They simply dry off with a towel. This type of soap is similar to the soaps used in hospitals. Rinse-less soap has to be used because if water is used the water droplets will float away in the space station and possible harm electrical equipment.

Information gathered at:
http://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/k-4/home/F_Living_in_Space.html

Category Food/Consumables

Description 2" X 5" grey can of water. Around the can is duct tape and has a string attached to it, presumably for a zero gravity environment. Writing on the can appears as "Property U.S. GOV'T". Can holds 10 oz of fluid. The attached string extends out about 54". Item is in very good condition.

Barcode 31315005271577

Provenance Shipped from LBJ Space Center in Houston Texas. Currently Held at the Orland Park Public Library NASA Special Collection. Not Flown. Part of order # 8-2.

Purpose Astronauts in space have to remain hydrated and maintain their healthy state; potable water (also known as drinking water) is used on space stations. Everything on space stations has to be secured down or it will float because the space station is in zero gravity. The string on our water can is most likely used to secure the can down so the astronauts have easy access to it without it floating away.