Astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) celebrated Thanksgiving with a special meal, cultural exchange, and the arrival of new crew members on November 27, 2023. This unique gathering took place approximately 250 miles above Earth, where the ISS crew enjoyed a holiday feast that exemplified both traditional American dishes and international flavors.
NASA astronaut Mike Fincke, who marked his second Thanksgiving in space, expressed his enthusiasm through a video message, stating, “This is my second Thanksgiving in space, so I highly recommend it.” The astronauts prepared to share a meal that included not only turkey and mashed potatoes but also seafood delicacies such as clams, oysters, and lobster, highlighting the diverse culinary offerings in orbit.
Holiday Menu and Cultural Exchange
To ensure a festive atmosphere, NASA included a special “Holiday Bulk Overwrapped Bag,” or BOB, in a recent resupply mission. Zena Cardman, another NASA astronaut, praised the thoughtful preparations made by the ground teams, saying, “Our ground teams and the food lab at NASA have taken such great care of us.”
The menu featured space-adapted meals designed to prevent crumbs from floating in the microgravity environment. “We’ve even got some lobster, which is amazing. So I think it’s going to be a really, really delicious meal,” Cardman added. Fincke showcased a can of cranberry sauce provided by the Russian space agency, acknowledging its significance in the holiday experience. He shared, “I’m going to miss my family, of course. But I’m up here with my space family and it’s really awesome.”
The ISS crew was enriched by the presence of new members, including Chris Williams from NASA and two Russian cosmonauts, who arrived aboard the Soyuz MS-28 spacecraft. The spacecraft launched from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 04:27 a.m. EST and docked with the ISS after a swift three-hour journey, bringing the total number of astronauts on the station to ten.
Emotional Significance of the Celebration
Food serves a critical emotional role for astronauts, especially during significant occasions like Thanksgiving. Mark Marquette, museum director with the U.S. Space Walk of Fame Foundation, emphasized the importance of holiday meals in maintaining psychological well-being during long missions. He noted that “good old comfort food” represents a connection to Earth and helps astronauts feel grounded.
The diverse crew celebrated their unique cultural identities during the meal. Kimiya Yui from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency remarked on the mutual respect for different traditions in space, stating, “We don’t have Thanksgiving in Japan, but here, on ISS, everybody respects each other’s culture.” This exchange highlights the collaborative spirit that transcends national boundaries in the international space program.
As the astronauts shared their Thanksgiving meal, the event underscored the significance of connection and community, even in isolation. In microgravity, the essence of Thanksgiving remains unchanged; it is a moment to pause, share, and foster relationships, reminding the crew of their humanity amidst the vastness of space.
