NASA sent five hot sauce varieties on Artemis II, deeming the spicy staple an essential item.

Why it matters: Even in space, flavor matters.

The big picture: NASA declined to release the list of brands on this mission, but we like to think Tabasco and Crystal made the cut on the New Orleans-made rocket.

• Tabasco has been included on previous missions, according to NPR.
• Wasabi, Louisiana Hot Sauce, Sriracha and Tabasco are 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, according to Victoria Segovia, a public affairs specialist at Johnson Space Center in Houston.

• "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 us.
• "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.
• Meals include include spicy green beans, barbecued beef brisket and mango salad.

More food items

New Orleans has a colorful skyline tribute to celebrate its role in the lunar mission.

The big picture: The lights on downtown landmarks are red, white and blue for Artemis II.

• The Caesars Superdome features a custom Artemis II projection that declares "From New Orleans // To the Moon."
• It'll stay up through Friday night, says Matt Wolfe, GNO Inc.'s chief marketing officer. GNO designed and ordered the projection.
• Other lit-up landmarks include the Crescent City Connection and the National WWII Museum.

Zoom out: Workers at Michoud built nearly 90% of the rocket powering the mission.

• Michoud has supported human spaceflight for more than 55 years, GNO Inc. president and CEO Michael Hecht says.
• The facility has about 1,800 employees and remains one of the largest manufacturing sites of its kind in the world, GNO Inc. says.

What's next: The astronauts are now making the turn for home after traveling farther from Earth than anyone else, Axios' Derek Lacey writes.

• Splashdown is scheduled for Friday night off the coast of San Diego.

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🔎 Federal prosecutors detailed new allegations about former Mayor LaToya Cantrell's spending, including using roughly $270,000 in campaign funds on alcohol and clothes. (The Times-Picayune 🔒)

• They also allege that romantic partner Jeffrey Vappie gave her two rings, which are shown in her official portrait.
• The filings are part of the ongoing public corruption case.

🎸 Bleachers will kick off the Rolling Stone Rock Tour here next month. (Rolling Stone)

📺 "90 Day Fiancé" features a New Orleans woman in the upcoming season. She's engaged to a 41-year-old virgin from Egypt with acting dreams. (Press release)

Mayor Helena Moreno signed three executive orders yesterday.

The big picture: One is aimed at reforming NORDC and calls for recommendations about lead remediation at parks.

• See Verite's investigation into contaminated soil samples.

Zoom in: Another executive order changes the name and role of the city's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness.

• The order removes "homeland security," a press release says, "as this role is better suited for other partners."
• The department is now called the Office of Coordination and Emergency Management, aka NOCEM.
• Its duties now include coordinating all barricades for special events — a point of contention and finger-pointing after the New Year's Day terrorist attack.

The third executive order speeds up the hiring process for essential city employees.