When Rachael is charged with creating space-friendly meals for a December 2006 shuttle mission, she chooses Spicy Thai Chicken, Swedish Meatballs, and Winter Vegetable Curry. She picks them for one important reason -- they all have garnish, something that's always been missing from NASA's meals. But after a visit to NASA headquarters in Houston, Rachael learns that it's going to take a little more than two turns of the pan with EVOO and a hot stove to get these meals ready for space travel.

Back on the ground, Rachael prepares an earthly version of her Spicy Thai Chicken for Commander Mark J. Polansky, with the help of his wife Lisa.

For more information on NASA's food preparation, visit their Web site.