Michelin-star chef prepares ISS meals for French astronaut

Paris: When French astronaut Sophie Adenot arrives at the International Space Station in 2026, she will dine on French gastronomical classics such as...

Paris: When French astronaut Sophie Adenot arrives at the International Space Station in 2026, she will dine on French gastronomical classics such as lobster bisque, foie gras and onion soup prepared especially for her by a chef with 10 Michelin stars.

Parsnip and haddock veloute, chicken with tonka beans and creamy polenta, and a chocolate cream with hazelnut cazette flower will also be on the menu, the European Space Agency (ESA) said on Wednesday.

Food delivered to the International Space Station (ISS) must meet strict specifications. It cannot be crumbly or too heavy and must be able to be stored for two years, the ESA said in a statement.

Fresh fruit and vegetables are only available after a new spacecraft arrives from Earth with supplies.

So most meals in space are canned, vacuum-packed or freeze-dried from a set of options provided by space agencies.