Clayton C. Anderson:
The International Space Station (ISS) does not have a “kitchen” like many of us here on Earth. However, there is a place called the “birlinn” which serves the purpose of allowing the preparation and consumption of food. I believe the term “galley” comes from the weapon, and was used exclusively in the space shuttle program. I believe he handed it over to the ISS.
The Russian piece only had the galley when I flew in 2007. There was a table for three, and the galley was made up of a water system – allowing us to hydrate our packed lunches ( as needed) with warm (tepid) or hot (horrible) water – and warmer food. The food warmers designed by the Russians were strictly used for their food cans (about the size of a can of cat food in America). The U.S. developed a second warmer (bag-shaped) food that we could use to export the more packaged food products (packaged) from America.
Later in the life of the ISS, a second galley range was issued in the U.S. region. It is located in Node 1 (Unity) and also has a table available for the astronauts’ eating pleasure. Apparently, it was added due to more crew size seen these days (6), to give you more options. During my brief trip to ISS in 2010 (12 days or so) as a Discovery crew, I discovered that meal times were far more varied than when I spent five months on board. The Russians ate in the Russian region. The shuttle astronauts were eating in the shuttle. U.S. ISS astronauts ate in Node 1, but often at completely different times. Although we had a joint dinner in Node 1 during the STS-131 (with the Expedition 23 team), this is one of the most negative things that is seen in the “multi-galley” situation. My long opinion of ISS was clarified by the fact that Fyodor Yurchikhin, Oleg Kotov, and all food were together. I will never forget the fellowship we had – or at least experienced those foods. We laughed, we argued, we celebrated, we lamented…, around our zero-gravity dinner table. Awesome stuff!
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Anderson’s Clayton “Astro Clay” is an astronaut, inspirational speaker, author, and STEAM education candidate.
His award-winning book The usual Spaceman, Astronaut Edition Fisher Space Pen, and new children’s books A is for Astronaut; Blow through the alphabet and It’s a question of place: Normal Astronaut Answers to Specific Questions available at www.AstroClay.com. For speaking events www.AstronautClayAnderson.com. Lean @Astro_Clay #WeBelieveInAstronauts