Food in space
NASA has launched a new project called the "Deep Space Food Challenge," which aims to gather ideas and technologies to address the food security of astronauts on future space missions. This is a social and scientific project that everyone can take part in. Twenty teams with the best results will receive prizes of $25,000 and an offer of cooperation.
The main task is formulated not as a search for something else delicious to serve to future Martian colonists, but how to teach them how to create food themselves during the flight. Because the practice of long-term work on the ISS has shown that the lack of fresh fruits and vegetables in the diet harms not only physical, but also mental health. You can survive on canned food, but it is already problematic to work productively and quickly solve complex problems.
Food in space
Given the extreme limitations in resources and space on the spacecraft, it is not possible to" grow " products using conventional methods. At least to feed the astronauts on a regular basis. We need other techniques and breakthrough ideas, because we have long learned how to simply grow greens on the ISS. For example, NASA is studying the possibility of creating a GMO yeast that will release beta-carotene and zeaxanthin during the metabolism, plus useful antioxidants that are usually obtained from vegetables. One test tube with yeast, in theory, can cover the weekly need for astronauts in these substances. Applications for the competition are accepted until July 30, 2021.
Food in space