space biscuits and recognition for

Space biscuits and recognition for space archaeology

Sometimes the constant struggle to gain recognition for the cultural

significance of space heritage can get a girl down. I was feeling

rather depressed about life in general when I received an accolade

that has made it all worthwhile. The utterly charming Nicey from

ANiceCupOfTeaAndASitDown (http://www.nicecupofteaandasitdown.com/),

the web's premier site for tea, bisuits, cake and sit downs, has

declared that I am their favourite space archaeologist. It has made me

happy for the last two days.

Nicey is very interested in space biscuits, as I may have mentioned

already in this blog. Below is his take on the news that the Japanese

are developing a special biscuit for long-haul space travel.

Nice News: Space biscuits will taste of worms or something

Wednesday 30 Aug 2006 Reporter: Nicey and Dr Alice Gorman

NiceCupOfTeaAndASitDown's favourite space archaeologist Dr Alice

Gorman has been in touch about Japanese plans for space biscuits.

Masamichi Yamashita, a researcher with Japan Aerospace Exploration

Agency has come up with recipe that uses all the things that your

typical astronaut might have to hand on a five year long mission to

Mars. Soybeans, rice and silkworm pupas are combined, all of which may

be farmed in space. Apparently the pupas will need a quick stir frying

to mask their fishy taste, before grinding them into a sort of powder

which we are assured will taste almost like crab.

Yamashita presented his recipe during the 36th scientific assembly of

the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR). The recipe comprises three

to six grams of silkworm pupa powder, 200 grams of rice powder, 50

grams of soy powder and 300 cubic centimetres of soymilk, with soy

sauce and salt.

I can't see McVitites beating a path to his door anytime soon. Mind

you they could have a good future in that niche market for foods that