Bengaluru/ Mysuru:  One of the most loved South Indian breakfast is the ubiquitous Idli and aromatic Sambar with generous pieces of vegetables. Almost all hotels serve this dish at all times. Very soon, Idli-Sambar will make its presence in outer space too with Astronauts savouring the dish while travelling in space.

Mysuru-based Defence Food Research Laboratory (DFRL) that is known for its innovative, nutritious and long-shelf life food products is working on providing astronauts with idli and sambar. DFRL officials are already in talks with Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in this regard.

According to sources, ISRO was planning a manned Space Mission in 2022 and for that certain zero-gravity-defying food has to be prepared. DFRL scientists are working on project that will enable astronauts to savour quality food. Such food should not deteriorate in an environment devoid of gravitation.

At a symposium and exhibition of food technology on the topic “Strengthening Army through Food Technology” held in Bengaluru on Sept. 12, Associate Director of DFRL Prof. Anil D. Semwal said that food and drink items such as idli sambar, mango juice, frozen fruit juice, etc. could be provided to astronauts in proper packaging.

DFRL’s Officiating Director Dr. V.K. Singh was also present at the exhibition.  Prof. Semwal is the Head, Technology Transfer division, DFRL. The event was held on the sidelines of an Army Training Command-sponsored Army Management Studies Board seminar at Army Service Corps Centre and College, Bengaluru.

It may be mentioned here that DFRL’s products were a part of Rakesh Sharma’s menu on the space expedition aboard Russia’s Soyuz T-11 in 1984. Currently, DFRL has food products that have a shelf life of 18 months which can be extended up to 36 months.

Prof. Semwal added that as of now food that can be supplied has not yet been finalised and that the existing packages were not suitable for space. He, however, is hopeful that this can be accomplished by 2022 as the food has to be prepared in the model of tubes.   

“DFRL scientists will give a presentation to ISRO on the products that are developed by us and ISRO will have to assess the products and take a call on the products they would like to use,” he said.

About food for Defence Forces, he said that over 142 kinds of food technology have been developed by DFRL. “The technology has been provided to 583 companies. As defence personnel have to discharge duties at places located in high altitude for days on end without water, food that could be consumed without being cooked have been developed,” he said.

India’s first manned space flight — Gaganyaan — will send three humans into space for five to seven days and the spacecraft will be placed in a low earth orbit of 300-400 km from the earth’s surface. As part of his Independence Day speech, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had vowed to put an Indian in Space by 2022.