Pizza in zero gravity: a masterclass from space! – by Frederic Eger – Video credit: Cosmonaut Alexey Zubritsky – An Italian cuisine evening at the ISS – cosmonauts and astronauts prepared real pizza! Did you think astronauts still eat from tubes? Cooking in zero gravity is a whole art. Before assembling the pizza, you need to secure the ingredients on the table so they don’t float in space. Then, bake it in a special oven located on board the ship.- Astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) have been enjoying making and eating pizza in zero gravity, transforming it into a unique culinary experience. The process involves securing ingredients, assembling the pizza, and baking it in a special oven on the ISS. The pizza-making process is a social event, with astronauts gathering to prepare and share their personal pizzas. The first pizza in space was eaten in 2001 by Russian cosmonaut Yuri Usachov, who received a vacuum-sealed pizza from Pizza Hut. In 2017, Italian astronaut Paolo Nespoli and his colleagues held a pizza party on the ISS using a special pizza kit with pre-baked crusts and various toppings. The pizzas were described as “unexpectedly delicious” despite their unusual texture and appearance. Pizza in space serves as a comfort food, helping astronauts feel connected to Earth and boosting morale during long and isolating missions. NASA is exploring 3D food printing technology to produce customized pizzas on demand in space, which could revolutionize food preparation for future long-duration missions, such as trips to Mars. In summary, pizza nights aboard the ISS are a delightful blend of science, culture, and human ingenuity.

“In 2001, Russian cosmonaut Yuri Usachov received the first-ever vacuum-sealed pizza delivery from Pizza Hut to the International Space Station (ISS). This event marked a milestone in space food history and demonstrated how familiar comforts from Earth could be adapted for life in microgravity. Pizza Hut prepared the pizza to meet the unique challenges of space dining, vacuum-sealing it to prevent crumbs, which can interfere with equipment or be inhaled by astronauts. The toppings were carefully selected and arranged to stay intact during the journey and consumption. The pizza was delivered as a morale booster and a symbol of how everyday pleasures could be brought into the extraordinary environment of space. This event showcased the collaboration between commercial companies and space agencies to enhance astronauts’ quality of life on long missions and paved the way for more creative and diverse food options in space, contributing to the psychological well-being of astronauts. Yuri Usachov’s experience with the pizza delivery remains a beloved story, illustrating how even small comforts can have a big impact in the isolated and challenging environment of space. 

NASA and Roscosmos astronauts have been enjoying pizza making and sharing on the International Space Station (ISS) as a comforting and fun activity that connects them to Earth. They have held pizza parties where they assemble personal-sized pizzas using pre-baked crusts, sauces, cheeses, and various toppings, using special ovens designed for space to warm the pizzas. The tradition of pizza in space dates back to 2001 when Russian cosmonaut Yuri Usachov received the first-ever vacuum-sealed pizza delivery from Pizza Hut. Pizza serves not only as a meal but also as a morale booster and a way to build camaraderie among the crew. Sharing familiar foods like pizza helps astronauts feel connected to home and eases the isolation of space missions. This is part of the evolving food culture on the ISS, which includes fresh produce grown onboard and innovative food technologies like 3D-printed meals for future long-duration missions. In summary, making pizza on the ISS is a joyful, social event that combines creativity, technical adaptation to microgravity, and the psychological benefits of enjoying a beloved Earth food far from home.