Celebrating World Space Week with Nutella in Orbit
Sponsored by Nutella
World Space Week is upon us, and Artemis II serves as a captivating reminder that space exploration hinges on both grand missions and the small comforts that make life beyond Earth manageable. Among the familiar items in the crew’s cargo was Nutella, included for the astronauts aboard the Orion spacecraft as they journeyed around the Moon. This raises an intriguing question: what is everyday life really like in space?
Dr. Maggie Aderin-Pocock, a renowned space scientist and co-presenter of the BBC’s The Sky at Night, was particularly taken by the sight of the floating Nutella jar. Her immediate thought was that it should have been tethered, yet she delightfully observed it glide through the cabin. Curious about the nuances of life in space beyond the initial launch excitement, we reached out to her for insight.
Aderin-Pocock has dedicated her career to making space accessible to everyone, pursuing her dream of exploring the cosmos since childhood. She has worked on various projects, including instruments for the Gemini telescope and the Aeolus satellite, and currently serves as Chancellor of the University of Leicester.
In a recent discussion, we asked Dr. Maggie ten questions about the realities of living in space once the launch thrill subsides. Her insights covered topics such as the effects of microgravity on the body, how astronauts select their food, and why a fresh apple becomes a coveted item aboard the International Space Station. She also shared how items from home can take on new meaning far from Earth.
Her answers humanize the often-mystical concept of space travel. Even at vast distances, food remains a deeply personal aspect of the journey, with astronauts frequently opting for familiar flavors to bring along. Nutella, it seems, has definitely earned its place in orbit.
To learn more about life in space, check out our featured video below!
