Astronauts aboard China’s Tiangong space station have achieved a culinary milestone. They have become the first humans to barbecue food in space, cooking chicken wings in a specially designed oven that operates in microgravity.
A video released by the Astronaut Centre of China shows crew members from the Shenzhou 20 and 21 missions using the new oven. This marks the first deployment of an oven capable of real cooking in a space station environment.
Cooking in space is a complex challenge. On Earth, ovens rely on convection, where hot air rises and cool air sinks due to the influence of gravity. This process does not occur in microgravity.
Chinese engineers designed an oven that provides consistent, smokeless baking without overloading the station’s power grid. The oven can reach temperatures of 190°C, allowing for roasting and baking rather than just warming food.
🥩A space BBQ party is on!
🌽🍖Grilling kebabs and steaks in space is no longer a dream — the @CNSpaceStation has its own space oven!
😋Check out the astronauts enjoying roasted chicken wings and beef steak. Hungry yet? [📹CMG] pic.twitter.com/uKHjQJ0eKD
— Chinese Space Station (@CNSpaceStation) November 4, 2025In the video, astronauts place chicken wings in a special grill cage. They then insert it into a small cabinet-like compartment in the station’s wall. The chicken wings were fully cooked in just 28 minutes.
This achievement goes beyond previous space food experiments. In 2020, the International Space Station (ISS) baked cookies in a prototype oven. However, the Tiangong oven is the first fully integrated system designed for regular use.
This development is a significant step for astronaut well-being on long-duration missions. The ability to cook fresh, appetising food can greatly improve morale and quality of life in space.
The Shenzhou 21 crew will remain aboard Tiangong for approximately six months. Their mission includes continuing to advance the capabilities for living and working in space.
