Watch Heston's Dinner in Space

Heston's Dinner in Space is a fascinating science documentary series that takes viewers on a unique culinary journey into the final frontier. Produced and directed by Simon Warwick for Curiosity Stream, the show features celebrated British chef Heston Blumenthal as he attempts to create a gourmet dinner party in zero gravity aboard the International Space Station (ISS). With the help of scientists, astronauts and food experts, Heston embarks on a scientific adventure to explore the challenges of cooking in space and devising innovative ways to conquer them.

The series begins by introducing viewers to the team of experts that Heston has assembled to assist him in his mission. They include Dr. Kevin Fong, a physician and space medicine expert who serves as the show's science advisor, and space food scientist Dr. Michele Perchonok, who has spent over 30 years developing food for NASA astronauts. Heston also works closely with renowned British mixologist Tony Conigliaro, who contributes his expertise in creating unique cocktails designed to be enjoyed in zero gravity.

From the outset, the show sets out to highlight the difficulties that Heston faces in creating a meal in space. With limited space and equipment, the team must develop entirely new methods of food preparation that take into account the microgravity environment. They explore how liquids behave differently, how heat dissipates or concentrates, and how seasoning and garnishes behave differently in zero gravity. Through a series of experiments and tests, the team devises a variety of ingenious solutions, such as novel cooking techniques that use centrifuges to simulate gravity, and specially designed tableware that grips food to prevent it from floating away.

Using these innovative techniques, Heston sets out to create a meal that both looks and tastes extraordinary. The series follows his progress as he develops recipes that are both technically challenging and visually stunning, such as a starter of beetroot jelly with edible soil, and a main course of roasted quail with truffle jus and cauliflower puree. Heston also experiments with creating a range of cocktails that are specifically designed for consumption in space, including a Bloody Mary Martini and a Negroni that uses freeze-dried Campari.

As the show progresses, it delves deeper into the science behind the challenges of cooking in space. The team explores the impact of zero gravity on the human digestive system, and the sensory changes that astronauts experience in space. They also investigate the physiological and psychological elements of taste and how they differ in microgravity. Through a variety of tests and experiments, the team discovers that astronauts' sense of taste is profoundly altered in space, with many foods tasting blander or different in space compared to on Earth.

Alongside the technical challenges of creating a meal in microgravity, the show also explores the psychological and emotional aspects of the experience. Heston and his team talk with astronauts who have spent extended periods in space, gaining insights into the mental and emotional challenges of life in orbit. They also explore the unique nature of space as a setting for culinary experimentation, highlighting the role that food has played in bringing together people from disparate cultures and traditions throughout human history.

Overall, Heston's Dinner in Space is a unique and engaging exploration of the science and art of cooking in space. Through a mix of science, technology and gastronomy, the show creates a fascinating window into the challenges faced by humans in space exploration, and the incredible ingenuity that is required to overcome them. With its blend of innovative food and inspiring human stories, the series is a must-see for anyone interested in the intersection of science and culinary creativity.

Heston's Dinner in Space is a series that ran for 1 seasons (2 episodes) between January 1, 2016 and on Curiosity Stream