Via WeatherNation

It has been a long-standing tradition to continue the celebration of American Holidays while astronauts continue their missions in space; however, eating the turkey may look a little different than those of us here at ground zero.

Instead of a traditional home cooked meal, astronauts in space will chow down on rehydrated turkey, stuffing, potatoes and vegetables, that are provided by NASA.

What is rehydrated turkey? Well first you must know that meals must be dehydrated for preservation purposes then freeze-dried. A freeze-dried meal would then be rehydrated using a water gun to inject cold water into the package. After cutting the package open with scissors, the meal was then ready to eat.

NASA says that food scientist Vickie Kloeris has been involved in space food development and production since 1985, and is responsible for making a holiday meal for NASA astronauts.

She has managed the space station food system since January 2000 and is responsible for every aspect of the station’s food system including all U.S. flight food shipments and new food item development.

Last year, the six member crew of Expedition 50 celebrated Thanksgiving together. This year Expedition 53 will celebrate the holidays in space and continue on their day of gratitude together with a lovely rehydrated turkey provided by NASA.

See more and find more info about space food on NASA’s website!