Ramen, Rice Balls and Green Tea in Space

Japanese astronauts heading to the International Space Station can look foward to having ramen noodles, rice balls and green tea on the menu according to Japan's space agency.

I can't even get those here in Sunnyvale. Well, maybe I can.

Nissin Food products has come up with 29 different dishes for Japanese space travelers to take in their 'bonus packs.'  The bonus backs are usually favorite foods to help the men endure their months in space.

Japanese style curry and soups also made the cut.

There are three qualifications:

1. one  year shelf life

2. nutrionally rich

3. easy to prepare

American and Russian food is supplied on the

space station now.

Nissin expects to be able to market its food with an official JAXA label that reads "Japanese Space Food."

Next February, there will be Japanese rice balls that are lighter than air served up on the ISS.

What is your favorite Japanese food?