Lab-grown food in space could soon become reality after the European Space Agency launched a new experiment to test food production in orbit. The goal is to reduce the cost of feeding astronauts, which can reach £20,000 per day. The project is being led by Frontier Space and researchers from Imperial College London.
The team sent a small bioreactor into space aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. It carried a genetically modified yeast mix designed to grow proteins and nutrients in microgravity. The spacecraft orbited Earth for three hours before returning to land near Portugal. Scientists will examine the results to determine if the process can work in space.
The brick-colored mixture inside the bioreactor uses a method called precision fermentation. This process is similar to brewing beer, but it produces food ingredients like proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. The aim is to make meals that are nutritious and easier to produce during long missions.
Creating food in space would reduce the need for expensive shipments from Earth. NASA, ESA, and private companies are working toward long-term missions to the Moon and Mars. Supplying food for large crews on those missions will require on-site production methods.
The concept goes beyond simple powders. Researchers want to produce full meals in space using 3D printing technology. Future astronauts could print steaks, mashed potatoes, or desserts from raw lab-grown ingredients made on board.
While the science is advancing, taste is still a challenge. The current mix looks unappetizing and needs transformation into something enjoyable. A chef at Imperial College is already working on recipes using fungi-based ingredients to simulate what could soon be lab-grown meals. His goal is to create familiar and comforting food that appeals to astronauts from different cultures.
The first taste test of a prototype dish—spicy dumplings—received positive feedback from Helen Sharman, the UK’s first astronaut. She said the flavors were strong and far better than the freeze-dried meals she once ate in space.
Beyond improving taste, lab-grown food can also enhance astronaut health. Space travel affects bone density, hormone levels, and metabolism. Scientists believe they can design space meals with built-in supplements to help manage those issues.
As space agencies plan for longer missions, reliable and efficient food sources are becoming critical. The data from this first experiment will support the design of a larger bioreactor, which is scheduled to launch next year. Lab-grown food in space is no longer a distant dream—it’s one step closer to becoming the new normal for space dining.
