On Tuesday July 29, the first gluten-free soy sauce will reach new heights as it enters outer space.
Packages of Little Soya Soy Sauce are set to launch on the European Space Agency’s, Ariane 5 ES rocket, an automated transfer vehicle (ATV-5). The ATV-5 rocket will be delivering cargo and food to the six astronauts aboard the International Space Station. The soy sauce has been approved for take-off after two years of product testing.
Although condiments like soy sauce are used to add flavor to food in the space environment, where taste and smell senses often decrease, another reason for the selection of Little Soya’s soy sauce is due to its re-sealable “fish-shaped” packaging, which may help astronauts avoid spilling in zero-gravity.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) explained that astronauts had often complained about space-food in the past. However, new packaging strategies allow crew members to consume food available in stores on Earth while staying within their structured diet.
In preparation for the launch, the six-year old Texas-based company has featured a “countdown” clock on its website. The rocket launch will also stream live on ArianeSpace.tv.
