Ice Cream in Space
Dearest concerned young SPO agent, While astronauts do typically consume freeze-dried foods in space, they did not traditionally eat freeze-dried ice cream. Despite this fact, it has been a legendary tale passed down from generation to generation that astronauts have partaken in the dessert. Years later, people are still wondering if any of W.I.L.L.O.W.I.S.P.'s space division have consumed the treat in outer space. Unfortunately, we cannot answer this question. But rest assured that the details are unimportant. The SPO program is delighted to send young ones into space, and you will certainly discover the menu upon boarding. We assure you, this matter should be the least of your concerns.-an email from W.I.L.L.O.W.I.S.P.
Summary
Many frozen foods have been eaten in space, as the freeze-drying process is often utilized to preserve foods for long-distance travel and lengthy journeys. Several outer space expeditions take place over far distances and long periods of time. For this reason, it would be difficult to bring perishable goods aboard the vessels that carry astronauts. The environment is also quite turbulent and volatile. In addition to this, the absence of gravity may have undesired effects on certain foods, and make them difficult to be eaten during space travel.
Historical Basis
Currently, there are no recorded instances of freeze-dried ice cream being eaten in space by W.I.L.L.O.W.I.S.P. operatives or otherwise, but it is documented that normal ice cream has been consumed on space stations throughout history.
Cultural Reception
Some people are set on believing that freeze-dried ice cream has been consumed in space and insist that if it hasn't, their 'childhood would be ruined', as this 'fact' was a piece of knowledge they believed for a long period of their lives.
Others do not believe the treat has been consumed in space and dismiss it all as a marketing scheme to take advantage of consumers.
A third group of people have no interest in the topic whatsoever and believe it is a waste of time to dwell on something so trivial.
At W.I.L.L.O.W.I.S.P. specifically, there have been concerns about operatives, especially Junior Sprouts and SPO agents, consistently emailing the company to ask about these questions. The vending machines in most headquarters locations keep freeze-dried foods in supply. Those tasked to answer the curious inquiries suspect those snacks being made available trigger the train of thought within the young operatives' brains.
Others do not believe the treat has been consumed in space and dismiss it all as a marketing scheme to take advantage of consumers.
A third group of people have no interest in the topic whatsoever and believe it is a waste of time to dwell on something so trivial.
At W.I.L.L.O.W.I.S.P. specifically, there have been concerns about operatives, especially Junior Sprouts and SPO agents, consistently emailing the company to ask about these questions. The vending machines in most headquarters locations keep freeze-dried foods in supply. Those tasked to answer the curious inquiries suspect those snacks being made available trigger the train of thought within the young operatives' brains.
Commander McCox gives newbies the rundown: They sell it in gift shops everywhere. It's so expensive, too. All the kids wanna eat what the astronauts are eating in space. Ice cream, right? Wrong. Those space guys didn't really eat that stuff up there, I don't think. At least that's what most modern things claim now. But, still. There have been legends about legends. People around the office talking about W.I.L.L.O.W.I.S.P.'s space division and speculating whether or not anyone up there has ever eaten that freeze-dried stuff. Personally, I don't see what all the hype is. I ate it once as a kid. I thought it was the best thing in the world. I thought I was cool like those guys who had landed on the moon. When I tried it again as an adult, I realized it was all an overrated way to overcharge folks. Now, you can find freeze-dried ice cream here in some of the vending machines around headquarters. Freeze-dried other stuff, too. I don't know who they thought was gonna eat it but a lot of people do, for some reason. I guess the appeal is still there in kids and adults alike. I know those kids love it. Whenever Junior Sprouts are around the office, you can bet one of them is going to buy it. Those SPO kiddos, too. They've started sending some of them into space in recent years. I wonder if any of them have eaten freeze-dried ice cream in space by now. One of them probably snuck some up there just for the heck of it. I wouldn't recommend trying to sneak anything anywhere, though. Wouldn't want to get in trouble over something so trivial. But I doubt they would care. But if they don't care, you shouldn't have to sneak it on. I admit, back in the day, I used to try to sneak snacks into the movie theater. Those prices are WAYY high. I didn't wanna pay triple the price for the same candy bar I could pick up at the corner store. Boy, did I not realize how serious that place was about outside food. And if a random movie theater over twenty years ago cracked down like that, I don't think you want to find out firsthand what a company like W.I.L.L.O.W.I.S.P. would do...
I may be weird, but I really like the texture of freeze-dried food. I'm seeing it a lot more recently—-fruit, marshmallows, even Skittles and Jolly Ranchers! Also, I love imagining that Someone has been avoiding contributing to the Junior Sprouts FAQ, but he's finally been pinned down and has just picked a slip of paper from the box: "What is this?! 'Does the space division get to eat ice cream in space?' That can't be a question! It's the stupidest thing anyone's ever asked! I'm not answering it." ... "Fine."
lol! that does sound much like an answer from Someone himself. He probably did do that one XP This article is not fully complete yet but I'm glad you enjoyed it! :D <3
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