S. Korean space food wins certification from Russian laboratory

SEOUL, Feb. 2 (Yonhap) -- South Korean-made food products designed for use in
space have won certification from a Russian laboratory, the government here said
Tuesday.
The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology said three types of specially
prepared food and a beverage received the certification from the Institute of
Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences (IBMP) this month.
The state-run Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, which overseas local
production of space food, asked the IBPM under the State Scientific Center of the
Russian Federation to check the foods last August.
The ministry said the Russian agency approved the use of ready-to-eat bulgogi,
bibimbap, seaweed soup and mulberry juice on board space ships, space stations
and for missions to the Moon and Mars.
Bulgogi is a flavored beef dish, while bibimbap is made from mixing rice, meat
and vegetables.
"The tests showed the foods helped improved digestion and allowed the growth of
beneficial microorganisms in the intestines," a press release said.
It added that because making foods that can be consumed in space requires
considerable manufacturing knowhow, the technology can be further developed to
allow local companies to make dishes for patients and athletes, as well as for
military and emergency rations.
Such skills could also make it easier for local companies to export their
processed food products abroad.
South Korea has in the past developed specially made instant noodles, pickled
cabbage, sweet cinnamon punch and a mixed grain and vegetable bar for space.
The food products were sent up with South Korea's first astronaut to the
International Space Station in April 2008 and shared by the crew of the orbiting
station.
At present, only IBPM and the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration
can check and certify foods and drinks bound for space.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
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