The Unbiased Post Logo
Monday 23/02/2026

French Astronaut to Savor Michelin-Starred Cuisine on Space Mission

Astronaut Sophie Adenot enjoying gourmet food on the ISS.
Aya NakamuraAya Nakamura

In This Article

HIGHLIGHTS

  • French astronaut Sophie Adenot will enjoy gourmet meals on the International Space Station (ISS) in 2026, crafted by Michelin-starred chef Anne-Sophie Pic.
  • The menu includes French classics like lobster bisque and foie gras, designed to meet strict space food requirements.
  • Adenot's mission, named εpsilon, will involve scientific experiments and maintenance tasks during her six-month stay on the ISS.
  • The European Space Agency emphasizes the cultural and morale-boosting benefits of personalized meals for astronauts.
  • Chef Anne-Sophie Pic describes the project as an "exhilarating challenge," pushing the boundaries of gastronomy in space.

When French astronaut Sophie Adenot embarks on her mission to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2026, she will carry with her a taste of home, thanks to a collaboration with renowned chef Anne-Sophie Pic. Adenot's menu, a departure from the typical freeze-dried space fare, will feature gourmet dishes such as lobster bisque and foie gras, specially crafted to meet the stringent requirements of space food.

A Taste of France in Space

The European Space Agency (ESA) has announced that Adenot, a former helicopter test pilot, will enjoy a menu that includes four starters, two main courses, and two desserts. These culinary delights, including parsnip and haddock velouté and chocolate cream with hazelnut cazette flower, are designed to be crumb-free, lightweight, and have a shelf life of at least 24 months. This initiative not only aims to boost morale but also to foster cultural exchange among the ISS crew.

Gastronomic Challenges and Innovations

Chef Anne-Sophie Pic, who holds 10 Michelin stars, embraced the challenge of creating space-friendly haute cuisine. "Cooking for space means pushing the boundaries of gastronomy," Pic stated, highlighting the technical constraints involved. Her efforts ensure that Adenot and her colleagues can share in a unique culinary experience, enhancing their sense of connection to Earth and each other.

Mission εpsilon: Beyond Culinary Delights

Adenot's six-month mission, dubbed εpsilon, will involve conducting European-led scientific experiments, medical research, and maintenance tasks aboard the ISS. Moving at a speed of 17,900 mph approximately 250 miles above Earth, Adenot's journey will not only contribute to scientific advancement but also celebrate French culinary heritage in an extraterrestrial setting.

WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN

As Sophie Adenot prepares for her mission, the inclusion of gourmet meals could set a precedent for future space missions, emphasizing the importance of cultural and psychological well-being in space. The collaboration between the ESA and Anne-Sophie Pic may inspire other space agencies to explore similar partnerships, potentially leading to a new era of gastronomy in space. Experts suggest that such initiatives could enhance international cooperation and crew morale, ultimately benefiting long-duration space missions.

Images from the Web

Additional article image
Image Source: European Space Agency
Additional article image
Image Source: European Space Agency