Nenmara scientist among experts planning diet for Gaganyaan crew

Palakkad: The four astronauts selected for India's space mission Gaganyaan have been following a specific diet plan for months.

Coincidentally, a scientist from Nenmara, Palakkad, is in the Hyderabad-based National Centre for Nutrition (NIN) team that has planned the diet.

Mission Commander Prashanth B Nair is from Vithanassery in Nenmara. NIN scientist Dr ER Nandeep is also from the same village.

During the training period, the astronauts are recommended a diet based on their body weight. The menu includes Indian and continental-style vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, which also include fruits and pulses.

The space travellers should maintain their body weight and other bodily factors during the training and the mission.

Mysuru-based Defence Food Research Laboratory is preparing the menu, ensuring enough calories and energy for the astronauts. The space crew will be carrying ready-to-eat food packets that could be stored for weeks.

Once back on Earth, they will be following a different menu plan.

Dr Nandeep is the son of E V Ramesh, a retired official of the state Education Department, and VS Geetha, a clerk at the Melarcode panchayat.

NIN Director Dr R Hemalelatha, Scientist Dr K Venkatesh, Nutritionist G Vennila and Neeraja are the other members of the diet-planning team.