When Did Jerky First Blast Into Outer Space?

The new age of space travel is among us! With various business moguls worldwide pursuing space exploration, many people are again interested in the final frontier. Since the last space boom happened in the sixties and seventies, many people forget some of the most interesting (and silly) things that occurred during those first few missions.

In fact, beef jerky does have an association with cosmic journeys! So, if you’ve ever looked up towards the night sky and wondered, “when did jerky first blast into outer space?” read on to learn more.

Beef to the Great Beyond!

The first astronaut meals consisted of preserved fruits, such as applesauce and canned meat. Beef first took flight in 1962 aboard the Friendship 7. Dehydrated meats entered space travel soon after and used freeze-drying to remain safe and edible.

However, jerky as we know it didn’t leave our atmosphere until 1996 when the astronauts aboard the STS-79 Atlantis brought it to the Russian Mir Space Station. Since then, most space missions have included beef jerky on the menu, as it’s popular amongst most astronauts and contains many essential nutrients.

Why Jerky Works in Space

As we mentioned, beef jerky is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. Many times, we have spoken on this blog about the “superfood” aspects of dehydrated meat, and rocket scientists agree! Factor in how long beef jerky can last, and you have the perfect dish for space travel. It’s a portable and lightweight snack that doesn’t require much preparation.

It also doesn’t fall apart into tiny pieces when consumed, which could cause severe issues to the integrity of shuttle/station technology. Lastly, many astronauts desire a meat snack while aboard a space shuttle or station. Beef jerky allows them to enjoy their favorite meals without putting the health and safety of everyone in danger.

Astronaut Food Today

So yes, beef jerky remains popular aboard spaceships, but what other foods do astronauts bring into space these days? Most missions include nuts, fruit, lean and dark meats, peanut butter, brownies, and some candy. Tortillas are the most commonly found “bread” option during space travel since sliced loaves have more crumbs and can weigh more.

Astronauts can also enjoy coffee, juice, and tea. Everything is stored in disposable packages, which the astronauts eat directly from to avoid any flying food particles. The recommended daily calorie count for space travelers is between 1,900 and 3,2000.

The simple answer to the question, “when did jerky first blast into space?” is just under 30 years ago. The more important question you might be wondering is, “when will Lee’s Market Jerky send their products to mar?.” We regrettably don’t have an answer for you. Luckily, we have a beef jerky online shop here on Earth that carries a plethora of delicious, unique jerkies perfect for any occasion!