China's Space Station Equips First Oven, Enabling On-Orbit Baking

BEIJING – Astronauts aboard China's space station have, for the first time, used an onboard oven to bake food in orbit, marking a significant upgrade to the "space kitchen."

The hot air oven, delivered by the Shenzhou-21 spacecraft, has allowed crew members from the Shenzhou-20 and Shenzhou-21 missions to enjoy freshly baked dishes like chicken wings and steak. This achievement represents a major step forward from simple reheating to actual cooking and baking in China's space program.

Technically, the oven features smoke-free operation, meets strict space station safety standards, and is rated for over 500 reliable cycles. Alongside this new appliance, the astronauts' menu has been expanded with more food varieties and longer recipe cycles.

Concurrently, the station's "space vegetable garden" has achieved a new breakthrough, successfully cultivating a wider range of plants. For the first time, researchers have completed the full growth cycle—from seed to new seed—for certain plant species onboard. The crew will also receive special festive meals and care packages during traditional Chinese holidays, enhancing both their nutritional intake and psychological well-being during long-duration missions.