Skylab astronauts used trays like this mock-up to heat and serve their meals at a pedestal table in the galley of the orbital workshop. Each crewmember's tray had three heated cavities for cans of food to be warmed. Foods edible at room temperature were placed in the other cavities. The astronaut set a timer on the tray and when the food was heated simply opened the cans and pouches in the tray to enjoy a meal. The crews used silverware, but no plates, bowls, or cups. Most foods were dehydrated, powdered, canned, or frozen to prevent spoiling and allow for easy meal preparation. This tray is a mockup that was used for training before the 1973-1974 Skylab missions.
NASA transferred this item to the Museum with the backup Skylab in 1975.
Transferred from NASA