GEMINI PROGRAM FOOD Dehydrated, freeze-dried, and bite-sized foods coated with gelatin or oil to prevent crumbling, were introduced during Project Gemini. On-board hydrogen-oxygen fuel cells provided a source of water that could be used to moisten dehydrated or freeze-dried foods. Freeze-dried foods are prepared by quick-freezing cooked items, which are then placed in a vacuum chamber where they are heated to remove all water. Natural oils, however, are retained. The items are then vacuum-packed in a four-ply laminated container with a water valve at one end. Foods preserved in this manner can be kept at room temperature for long periods of time. Gemini and Apollo food was prepared and packaged by Whirlpool Corporation in conjunction with the U.S. Army Laboratory in Natick, Mass., and NASA. Typical Gemini meal item Typical Gemini meal Preparing a Gemini meal Freeze-dried Gemini meals could be re-hydrated by inserting the cold water gun into a food package. (Back to Apollo 11 Food) More Gemini Program Food

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