DFRL Prepares Indian Dishes for Space Mission Axiom-4

Mysuru’s Defence Food Research Laboratory (DFRL) has developed traditional Indian dishes like hesaru bele halwa and kichidi for the upcoming Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), launching from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. Although delayed due to technical issues, the mission will include Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, set to become the second Indian in space after Rakesh Sharma.

In collaboration with DRDO and ISRO, DFRL crafted space-friendly Indian meals such as carrot halwa and mango pulp using advanced preservation techniques for safety and shelf life. Due to dietary restrictions in microgravity, the meals are non-spicy, non-oily, and nutritionally balanced.

DFRL also catered Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 mission and conducted food tastings with Shukla to finalize the onboard menu. The initiative blends science, tradition, and national pride—bringing the taste of India into space.

01-07-2025