Staff Report
Dubai, UAE
Astronauts in the International Space Station (ISS) have started to consume home-grown UAE made halal food, produced and supplied by Al Islami food, UAE-based halal food company that was chosen among 20 suppliers by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC).
The production and supply of home-grown food to the space station is an important step by UAE which sent four astronauts to space so far and has a strong space mission. In 2021, the UAE has also sent space mission to Mars. Arabs over the last few years have strengthened their space missions. Supply of home-grown food for astronauts will help the UAE to market similar products and expertise for space tourism sector that once flourish will require higher amount of food supplies to the space.
Astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi and his fellow Expedition 69 crew members now have the opportunity to savour the taste of home. The carefully curated selection includes a renowned Emirati dish, Chicken Saloona, produced by Al Islami Foods.
As the number of Muslim astronauts in space continues to rise, so too is the demand for Halal food in the space. Halal food that is prepared in accordance with Islamic Shariah principles, and it is important to Muslim astronauts to be able to eat food that is in the conjunction with their belief.
Long missions require space foods to have a long shelf-life, meaning it is safe to eat after months or up to five years at “ambient,” or room temperature.
“The introduction of Made-in-UAE foods to the ISS signifies a proud moment for our nation, as it showcases the best of Emirati culture, culinary heritage, and entrepreneurial spirit. This achievement not only enriches the meal options available to astronauts but also serves as a tangible example of how international collaboration can bring diverse cultures together and create meaningful connections in the field of space exploration.” Salem Al Marri, Director-General of MBRSC, said.
Al Islami was able to provide astronauts with balanced nutritional food that embraces the cherished values passed down through generations while ensuring that they are easy to carry, store and use in a non-gravitational environment.
Before UAE’s Al Islami Food, another Halal food supplier, Zero-G supplied Halal food for astronauts. They offer a variety of Halal food options, including chicken, beef, fish and vegetables, in addition to SpaceX. SpaceX is a company that is developing reusable rockets, and they have partnered with a number of Halal food companies to provide Halal food options for their astronauts.
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