Why NASA sends hot sauce into space

The big picture: Tabasco, Sriracha, Cholula, Frank's RedHot and Heinz Hot Taco Sauce are on the New Orleans-made rocket, according to Victoria Segovia, a public affairs specialist at Johnson Space Center in Houston.

• She says NASA doesn't endorse any of the brands, though.
• Spicy condiments aren't new in space. Wasabi, Louisiana Hot Sauce, Sriracha and Tabasco are already popular on the International Space Station, along with shrimp cocktail, which has freeze-dried shrimp and horseradish, PBS says.

How it works: Hot sauce serves practical and behavioral health functions in space, Segovia says.

• "In microgravity, astronauts often experience less acute olfactory senses due to fluid shift — similar to having a mild congestion — which can dull flavor perceptions," she tells Axios.
• "Spicy and bold" condiments help enhance taste, she says.

How they choose: The hot sauces are selected in collaboration with astronauts and NASA's food scientists at the Johnson Space Center Food Lab, she said.

• Astronauts taste-test and provide input on flavor preferences, variety and compatibility with the menu.

• Selections are also evaluated for safety, shelf stability, nutritional value and suitability for the spaceflight environment.
• Condiments on Artemis II are typically in single-serve packets, she said.

Zoom out: Hot sauce has historically been part of the variety of condiments available to astronauts, Segovia says.

• Sauces on Artemis II include spicy mustard, honey and maple syrup, NASA says.
• Menu items include spicy green beans, barbecued beef brisket and mango salad. See the food highlights below.

Go deeper: NASA's lunar mission has deep New Orleans roots

Editor's note: This story was updated April 8 with the list of hot sauces on Artemis II.