We're excited to share some great news from Astronaut Foods! Our freeze-dried ice cream and fruit have earned the STEM.org Authenticated™ trustmark, a recognition that underscores our commitment to quality educational experiences through Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
For those unfamiliar, the STEM.org Authenticated™ trustmark helps consumers identify products that meet rigorous educational standards. It's a sign that a product not only aligns with STEM principles, but also supports critical 21st-century skills like critical thinking, creativity, and teamwork.
Our journey began in 1974, working alongside NASA to develop foods for astronauts. Since then, we've expanded our mission to help educate and inspire curious minds everywhere.
The freeze-drying process we use at Astronaut Foods is a fun example of STEM in action, encapsulating aspects of science and technology. Here's how it relates to STEM:
The Science:
Freeze-drying, or lyophilization, is a dehydration process used to preserve perishable materials, making them longer-lasting and more convenient for transport. The process involves freezing the item, then reducing the surrounding pressure and adding heat to allow the frozen water in the product to sublimate directly from ice to vapor.
The Technology:
The equipment and technology required for freeze-drying are advanced and require precise control of temperature and pressure to ensure quality and efficiency. The technology integrates aspects of engineering to design systems that can maintain the necessary conditions for sublimation effectively.
By using this process, we not only create freeze-dried ready-to-eat space food, but also provide an educational glimpse into the practical applications of scientific principles and technological advancements. This process exemplifies how engineering and science work hand in hand to solve real-world problems beyond dessert, making it a perfect teaching tool in the context of STEM education.
Learn more about we freeze-dry our treats>
We see this as an opportunity to help educators and parents as they guide the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators.
Thank you for supporting us on this journey. We're excited to continue bringing you products that are not only enjoyable, but also enrich learning experiences. Keep an eye out for what we have in store next!
