China: Going to sell universal space food

Dishes such as grilled pigs and roasted ducks specially prepared for Chinese astronauts will be sold widely in supermarkets in the country by the end of 2007.

Center for Training and Scientific Research of Chinese astronauts linked to a Shanghai-based food company to produce more than 60 dishes from meat, vegetables, starch and even dessert mouth for the country's space program.

The center has collaborated with businesses to mass produce cosmic food since 2006. Chen Bin, who

Special dishes for astronauts (Photo: MSN)

The center's food and nutrition department head, said cosmic food not only tastes delicious, but also provides 2,400 calories of energy according to an astronaut's needs.

Mr. Chen affirmed: 'They (cosmic food) are especially suitable for those who often participate in outdoor activities such as adventure, climbing and traveling'.

So far, the center has focused on producing cosmic dishes similar to many moon cakes. In addition to processing a wide range of products for sale to the market, the center also prepares new dishes for Chinese astronauts' space flight in 2008 such as chocolates and desserts.

According to Mr. Chen, Chinese astronauts are not picky about eating, but most like spicy food.