Texas-Inspired Meals Included on Artemis II

I’m pretty sure most of us remember those planetarium field trips where we learned all about how astronauts eat in space- those little squeeze packets, freeze-dried meals, which doesn’t sound like the most exciting menu.

But apparently, things have changed, because now, astronauts are eating like true Texans!

The Artemis II Menu Comes With a Texas Twist

As NASA’s Artemis II crew heads out on a historic mission around the Moon, they’re bringing a menu that feels a lot less “space food” and a lot more Texas backyard cookout.

We’re talking mac and cheese, spicy green beans, cobbler, but the real stars?

Brisket. And tortillas!

Texas Brisket Tacos Are Heading to Space

Okay, that is a lot of tortillas, but I completely understand, it's 10 days in space!

But, you don’t pack brisket and 50+ tortillas unless you fully intend for some next-level taco action (or burritos if you're like me). I have to admit, the idea of astronauts floating around the Orion spacecraft building brisket tacos mid-air?

That might be the most Texas thing to ever happen in space!

Why NASA Approved a Texas-Style Menu

As fun as this menu sounds, NASA didn’t just throw brisket in a cooler and call it a day.

Food for Artemis II has to be carefully designed to keep astronauts healthy and mission-ready. There’s no refrigeration, no last-minute food deliveries, and everything has to last the entire 10-day journey.

That means meals have to be shelf-stable, easy to prepare in microgravity, safe with minimal crumbs (hello, tortillas!) and packed with the right nutrients and calories.

Astronauts even help choose their menus ahead of time, sampling and rating foods before launch, which means someone definitely signed off on brisket!

One Small Step for Man… One Giant Leap for Texas BBQ

Artemis II isn’t just a big deal for space exploration, it’s a huge moment in bringing humans back toward the Moon. But for Texans? There’s another headline here: We officially sent brisket to space!

Not a simulation. Not a substitute. The real deal.

At this point, Texas barbecue isn’t just world-famous… it’s interplanetary. (Sorry for the pun)

LOOK: 31 breathtaking images from NASA's public library

In 2017, NASA opened the digital doors to its image and video library website, allowing the public to access more than 140,000 images, videos, and audio files. The collection provides unprecedented views of space. Stacker reviewed the collection to select 31 of the most breathtaking images, including the first from the James Webb Space Telescope. Keep reading to see these stunning images, curated with further information about the captured scenes.

Gallery Credit: Deborah Brosseau