NASA is preparing for its next major manned mission where the Orion spacecraft will be launched to the moon. Part of these preparations is food for astronaut crew members. Researchers have developed "space food bars" for scientists to enjoy as breakfast.

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Scientists developed these new food bars that come in a variety of flavors such as cranberry and barbecue nut. These handy meals can open up more space for more scientific supplies. NASA astronauts can also enjoy breakfast during spaceflight with these delicious food bars.

The Orion only has limited space to accommodate food and supplies for astronauts during this mission. Now, food scientists have created high-calorie food bars with specific nutritional balance, including a taste that would allow astronauts to enjoy eating in space.

According to food scientist Takiyah Sirmons of the Advanced Food Technology team at NASA's Johnson Space Center, to date, there is no commercial food bar available that would meet the crew's needs, especially with a multi-year shelf life.

A deep space mission will not involve a cargo resupply spacecraft bringing in food supplies, which means the Orion crew will have to transport everything they need for the mission and ration them until they head back home. Regular food supplies can add to Orion's mass, and a heavier spacecraft means more fuel and energy consumed.

Since space missions need to limit and save their available resources, NASA scientists developed a single serving high-calorie dense breakfast that can make the Orion spacecraft lighter.

These food bars are being developed by NASA's Human Research Program. Astronauts have tested it while inside HERA (Human Exploration Research Analog) which is a closed space simulation habitat inside NASA's Johnson Space Center.

The first manned Orion mission will be launched to the moon in 2021 via NASA's new Space Launch System rocket. The Orion mission will help prepare for future deep space missions especially for the first human mission to Mars that is slated for 2030.