Scientists Explore Turning Asteroids into Food for Space Missions

Researchers are investigating how bacteria could convert asteroid material into edible biomass for astronauts on long-duration space journeys.

The concept involves using bacteria to break down carbon compounds in asteroids, transforming them into a nutrient-rich biomass.
Experiments have shown that bacteria can consume carbon material from meteorites, which could be applied to asteroids like Bennu.
The resulting biomass could potentially provide a balanced diet with protein, carbohydrates, and fats for astronauts.
Challenges include ensuring the biomass is non-toxic, palatable, and determining how to efficiently mine asteroids.
The research is in early stages, with plans to test the process using meteorites and other carbon-rich materials.