During the shuttle program how long before launch would an astronaut eat? With almost 50% of astronauts experiencing space adaptation syndrome, and the possibility of vomiting, did the astronauts prefer (or were encouraged) to go to orbit on an empty stomach?
I am not asking if they chose not to eat because of pre-flight stress (as discussed in the link in the comment). I'm wondering if there was any consideration for vomiting in deciding when to eat?
No. The prelaunch timeline for the crew was closely scheduled. Shuttle crews were awakened ~ 5 hours prior to the scheduled liftoff time and ate a meal shortly after they woke up and got dressed. Depending on the scheduled liftoff time, the crew may have been sleep shifting for a week or so prior to launch day.
Source - SCOM, page 5.1-1 Normal Procedures Summary
What and how much they ate at that time was subject to personal choice as discussed here: What do astronauts eat for pre-flight breakfast?
If they feared space sickness they could choose their food appropriately.
They left for the pad ~ 3 hours prior to the scheduled liftoff time.
