Kristine Atienza, the Philippines’ first analog astronaut, is working toward bringing Filipino adobo to space through research aimed at developing food suitable for future space missions.
Atienza serves as a consultant for the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) and has confirmed her involvement in research and development aimed at bringing chicken adobo and dried mangoes to space. The institute is also working with research partners to develop dried mangoes suitable for long-duration missions.
A graduate of the UP Diliman, Atienza initially pursued applied physics before shifting to nutrition. She maintained her interest in astronomy through the UP Astronomical Society, which she eventually led.
In November 2023, she joined a six-day simulated Mars mission at the Hawaii Space Exploration Analog and Simulation (HI-SEAS) facility on Mauna Loa, Hawaii. The mission examined food systems under conditions designed to resemble life on Mars.
An analog astronaut participates in Earth-based missions that simulate space conditions, including isolation, limited resources, and confined environments. These simulations help researchers prepare for missions to the Moon or Mars without traveling into space.
During the simulation, Atienza and other participants lived without internet access. She learned about the public attention surrounding her achievement only after completing the mission.
As a registered nutritionist-dietitian, Atienza works in space nutrition, studying astronauts’ dietary needs and food systems that could support their health during extended missions.
In September 2026, Atienza provided technical guidance, led training sessions, and mentored participants in the Philippine Space Agency’s first Analog Habitat Waypoint (ANAHAW) mission. The 24-hour simulated lunar mission concluded at Batangas State University on Sept. 26.
While research into Filipino food for space continues, no confirmed mission has been announced to send Atienza or her proposed chicken adobo into space.
