Since water is a useable biproduct from the fuel cells, much weight can be saved by sending up food in a dried form for rehydration in space. To simplify food packaging a new rehydratable food pack design is used. The bottom of the package is an injection-molded, high density polyethylene base. A thermoformed flexible lid made of plastic film covers the top. To add water, a large gauge hollow needle is inserted through a septum in the base.
Food needing heating is placed in a forced air convection oven, a new feature for space flight.
The oven can heat containers of different sizes and shapes. Beverage containers for the Shuttle are identical to the packages for rehydratables. A polyethylene straw is inserted through the same septum that is used for injecting water. When not in use, a clamp closes the straw. While the astronauts are eating, food containers are held in a food tray that is attached to a table in mid-deck, to the astronaut's lap while seated, or attached to a wall.