Growing Food in Space

G16 Lecture Theatre
 
Sir Alexander Fleming Building, Imperial College London
What will we eat when humanity journeys deeper into space—on months long missions, lunar bases or even the first homes on Mars?
 
At this year’s Great Exhibition Road Festival, Helen Sharman, the first British person in space, tucks into the evolving science of space food.
 
From the early days of squeeze tubes and dehydrated packets to the increasing need to produce fresh food during long duration missions, the challenge is about far more than survival. Food helps keep astronauts healthy, motivated and emotionally connected to life on Earth. But weighty supplies come at an enormous cost, so scientists are now exploring entirely new ways to grow food in space.
 
At this panel discussion, featuring scientists and an experimental chef, you will discover how bioreactors being developed with Imperial College London’s Bezos Centre for Sustainable Proteins could host precision engineered yeasts and microbial fermentation to create nutritious, enjoyable meals in orbit. A breakthrough that may transform not just space exploration, but sustainable food on Earth too!