London, England – Scientists are conducting an experiment in space to explore the possibility of growing lab-grown food for astronauts. The European Space Agency is funding this research, aiming to reduce the costs associated with feeding astronauts in space, which can be as high as £20,000 per day. This project could lead to the development of a small food production plant on the International Space Station in the coming years.

Lab-grown food is crucial for achieving NASA’s goal of making humanity a multi-planetary species, according to Dr. Aqeel Shamsul, from Frontier Space in Bedford. The vision is to establish manufacturing facilities in space, including on the Moon, to support humans living and working beyond Earth. The goal is to create a sustainable food source for astronauts during long-duration space missions.

By growing food ingredients like protein, fat, and carbohydrates in controlled environments and processing them to resemble traditional food, lab-grown food could revolutionize space nutrition. Current space food, which is mainly freeze-dried, lacks the appeal and nutritional quality of freshly prepared meals. The researchers believe that lab-grown food could offer a solution to providing a variety of nutritious and delicious meals for astronauts.

Sending food supplies to space is a costly endeavor, with estimates of up to £20,000 per astronaut per day. As space agencies and private firms plan for long-term human presence on the Moon and Mars, finding sustainable food sources becomes even more critical. Lab-grown food production could significantly reduce costs and logistical challenges associated with providing food for space missions.

This experiment involves sending yeast concoctions to orbit the Earth in a cube satellite as part of the ESA mission. The data collected from this experiment will inform the development of more advanced bioreactors for future space missions. Researchers are optimistic about the potential of lab-grown food to not only improve astronauts’ diets but also to mitigate the health effects of long-duration space travel.

In addition to addressing the nutritional needs of astronauts, lab-grown food could have environmental benefits compared to traditional agriculture, such as reduced land use and greenhouse gas emissions. The researchers are hopeful that the success of this experiment will pave the way for establishing food production facilities in space, supporting sustainable human settlements beyond Earth.

The ultimate goal is to provide astronauts with a variety of familiar and comforting dishes, replicating cuisines from around the world. By leveraging innovative technologies like 3D printing and precision fermentation, scientists aim to create a diverse menu of nutritious and delicious meals for future space travelers. Lab-grown food could not only nourish astronauts in space but also contribute to the long-term sustainability of human exploration beyond Earth’s orbit.