Astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) celebrated Thanksgiving on November 27, 2023, by enjoying a festive meal while welcoming new crew members. The occasion marked a unique gathering 250 miles above Earth, where astronauts experienced a blend of holiday traditions and cultural exchange.
A special menu was prepared for the astronauts to ensure a meaningful celebration. NASA provided a “Holiday Bulk Overwrapped Bag,” containing an array of festive foods, such as clams, oysters, crab meat, quail, smoked salmon, turkey, and mashed potatoes, all specially packaged to prevent crumbs from floating in the microgravity environment. NASA astronaut Mike Fincke expressed his enthusiasm for the occasion in a video message: “This is my second Thanksgiving in space, so I highly recommend it.”
The importance of food during such missions extends beyond mere sustenance. Zena Cardman, another NASA astronaut, highlighted the efforts of the ground teams and the food lab at NASA, stating, “Our ground teams and the food lab have taken such great care of us.” The meal also included lobster, which Cardman noted would make for a “really delicious meal.” Fincke added a touch of nostalgia by showcasing a can of cranberry sauce sent by the Russian space agency, acknowledging the emotional aspect of celebrating far from home while being surrounded by his “space family.”
The ISS crew has become increasingly diverse, further enriching their Thanksgiving experience. Alongside Fincke and Cardman, fellow NASA astronaut Jonny Kim shared the meal with three Russian cosmonauts and Kimiya Yui from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. Yui emphasized the cultural respect that defines life aboard the space station, stating, “We don’t have Thanksgiving in Japan, but here, on ISS, everybody respects each other’s culture.”
The Thanksgiving celebration coincided with the arrival of new crew members. NASA astronaut Chris Williams and two Russian cosmonauts launched aboard the Soyuz MS-28 spacecraft from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 04:27 EST. They docked with the ISS after a swift three-hour flight, joining the existing crew and bringing the total number of astronauts aboard to ten.
Food plays a significant role in enhancing the psychological well-being of astronauts during long missions. Mark Marquette, museum director with the U.S. Space Walk of Fame Foundation, commented on the emotional impact of holiday meals, noting that comfort food helps astronauts maintain a connection to their humanity while in orbit. “Good old comfort food. And this is what I think Thanksgiving represents in space,” he remarked.
Even in the unique environment of microgravity, Thanksgiving continues to embody the essence of connection and sharing. As astronauts enjoy their holiday feast, they reflect on the importance of community and cultural exchange, creating bonds that transcend the boundaries of Earth.
