If NASA plans to send humans to Mars, it needs to ensure there's enough food for a mission that could last several years. The agency’s “ultimate†solution is to use a 3D printer to cook meals for astronauts. NASA has already invested funds to support this innovative research.
According to the U.S. "Washington Post," on the 22nd, NASA announced its decision to invest $125,000 in a Texas-based company, Systems and Materials Research, to develop a 3D printer capable of producing "nutritious and delicious" food for space travelers.
The concept involves using digital recipes to mix various powders and create meals with appealing aromas and colors. This technology could revolutionize how astronauts eat during long missions.
NASA is set to reveal more details about the project this week. Anjan Contract, an engineer at the company, shared that the idea was inspired by his own experience printing chocolate for his wife. That simple experiment sparked the team's curiosity about what other foods could be printed.
Currently, space food printers are still in the conceptual stage. However, the company aims to move beyond theory and have a working prototype by the end of the year.
NASA spokesperson David Steetz stated in an email that the current food system for long-duration space missions, such as a trip to Mars, is not only insufficient but also unacceptable. Right now, astronauts rely on pre-packaged, ready-to-eat meals—similar to military rations. These meals often lack variety, taste, and proper nutrition.
With 3D printing, food can be tailored to each astronaut’s specific nutritional needs, health condition, and personal preferences. Pizza has been chosen as the first target because it offers a range of nutrients and flavors, and its layered structure makes it ideal for 3D printing.
3D printing works by layering materials based on digital designs, which allows for creating complex shapes and structures. Enthusiasts have already used the technology to make everything from plastic toys to guns.
Systems and Materials Research Inc. suggests storing all necessary nutrients—like proteins and carbohydrates—in powder form. When an astronaut selects a recipe, the required ingredients are mixed with water and oil in a compartment. The mixture is then heated and applied layer by layer onto a hot base, resulting in a freshly baked meal.
David Irwin, the company’s research director, described pizza as having a solid bottom, a soft center, and a top layer of meat. Theoretically, if an astronaut misses home, they could even enjoy food made according to their mother’s favorite recipes.
The printer could connect to Earth and receive personalized cooking instructions or recipes. Contract explained, “A mother could design a cookie on her computer and send it to the shuttle. Her son or daughter could print the cookie on Christmas Day.â€
NASA finds the idea of 3D-printed food exciting, not just because it reduces the weight of the spacecraft, but also because similar technology can be used to produce tools and other essential items in space.
This development could mark a new era in space exploration, where astronauts no longer rely on limited food supplies, but instead enjoy fresh, customized meals created right on board their spacecraft.
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