Scientists Propose Asteroids as a Food Source for Space Travel

A new study suggests astronauts could utilize asteroids as a food source by breaking them down and converting them into biomass for consumption.

Keeping astronauts fed during long space missions poses significant challenges, as traditional food sources may be limited. A recent study published in The International Journal of Astrobiology proposes an innovative solution: using asteroids as a nutritional resource. The researchers suggest breaking down asteroids through chemical and physical processes to create a slurry that beneficial bacteria can convert into edible biomass. This concept was inspired by a US Department of Defense project aimed at recycling military ration containers into food. The process involves pyrolysis to convert plastic into gas and oil, which is then transformed into nutritional biomass by bacteria in a bioreactor. While the idea is promising, scientists acknowledge that much work remains, including determining the safety of the biomass and developing methods for asteroid mining. Coauthor Joshua Pearce humorously volunteered to be the first to test the asteroid-derived food, highlighting the excitement surrounding this groundbreaking research.

Disclaimer: This summary, created with AI assistance, may not capture all details accurately. Verify with original sources before use.