space week

SPACE MEAL NUTRITION DESIGN CHALLENGE

Overview

Space travel brings unique nutritional challenges. Astronauts need meals that are compact, nutrient-dense, safe to store without refrigeration, and psychologically comforting. With the rise of long-term space missions aboard platforms like the International Space Station (ISS) and China Space Station (CSS), the need for culturally appropriate, shelf-stable meals is increasing.

This contest invites the public to design a Meal plan for a Pakistani astronaut aboard a space station. Meals must rely on shelf-stable, dehydrated, or freeze-dried ingredients, and meet the physical and psychological needs of astronauts during spaceflight. Let’s take Pakistani taste to space — responsibly and nutritionally!


Rules & Guidelines
  • Open to all Pakistani citizens
  • 1-day plan (3 meals per day: breakfast, lunch, dinner)
  • Each meal should:
    • Be nutritionally complete (macronutrients + essential micronutrients)
    • Use shelf-stable, dehydrated, or freeze-dried ingredients
    • Consider constraints of zero gravity (e.g., no loose powders or crumbly foods)
    • Include brief notes on preparation and psychological comfort (e.g., flavor, texture)

Submission Must Include:
  • Meal Plan Table (PDF or Word Format):
    • Breakdown with meal names and ingredients
  • Nutritional Rationale (300–500 words):
    • Why your meals are balanced
    • Cultural comfort considerations
    • Shelf stability explanation
    • Infographic, food packaging idea, or preparation diagram (max 1 page)

Evaluation Criteria
Criterion Points
Nutritional completeness & balance 30
Use of shelf-stable or dehydrated ingredients 20
Innovation and cultural relevance 20
Practicality for space conditions 15
Presentation clarity and format 15

Submission Deadline

20 October 2025


Submit Report

Download Post Event Report Format and submit by clicking link https://forms.gle/nGaEbSCTD2TZ63hT6