--- title: "Astronauts Should Eat Space Rocks on the Way to Mars, Scientists Propose" description: "A team of scientists suggests astronauts could make use of an unusual source of nutrition during journeys into deep space: asteroids." date: "2024-10-03" modified: "2024-10-03" authors: - name: "Victor Tangermann" job_title: "Senior Editor" link: "https://futurism.com/authors/victor" url: "https://futurism.com/the-byte/astronauts-eat-asteroids-deep-space" categories: - "Astronomy" - "Mars" - "Space" tags: - "asteroids" - "astronauts" - "deep space" - "the digest" --- # Astronauts Should Eat Space Rocks on the Way to Mars, Scientists Propose ![A team of scientists suggests astronauts could make use of an unusual source of nutrition during journeys into deep space: asteroids.]() *\Image: Getty / Futurism\* ## Eating Rocks Keeping ourselves fed during a long journey through deep space will likely prove difficult. Growing food can pose its own challenges and require a substantial amount of resources. Relying on a dwindling food supply could also prove dangerous in the long run. In a [new study]() published today in *The International Journal of Astrobiology*, a team of scientists suggests astronauts could make use of an unusual source of nutrition instead: asteroids. As the [*New York Times* helpfully points out](), the scientists aren't implying that space travelers should munch on actual rocks. The idea is to break down asteroids using a combination of chemical and physical processes first before feeding the slurry to beneficial bacteria. These microbes could then turn the asteroid crumbles into "biomass," which could technically keep future asteroids fed — but likely pleading for a burger instead. ## Biomass BBQ The team of scientists was inspired by a US Department of Defense investigation into ways to recycle plastic containers that hold military rations — and possibly turn them into more edible food. First, the plastic gets broken down into gas and oil using a process called pyrolysis. The oil is added to bacteria inside a bioreactor, which turns it into a nutritional biomass. In extremely simplified terms, the team was looking for ways to reconstitute carbon into something that resembles food. And the same could be applied to [carbon-rich asteroids like Bennu]() in space. "If we just feed microbes fresh, pristine meteorite, what would happen?" Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam postdoctoral researcher Annemiek Waajen, who wasn't involved in the research, but has investigated the idea, told the *NYT*. But before astronauts can start ripping into a juicy asteroid slurry, scientists still have a lot of work to do. For one, we have no idea if the resulting biomass is toxic or not. Besides, we have yet to figure out how to mine asteroids in the first place. "It is something that’s still a long way away," Waajen admitted. But scientists are excited to test the idea out on themselves. "I already promised I’ll be the first one to take a bite," coauthor and Western University in Ontario engineering professor Joshua Pearce told the *NYT*. "If I survive, we can move on to grad students." **More on asteroids:** *[Radar Images Show Large Object Drifting Past Earth]()* ## Author I've been at Futurism since 2017, where my role has evolved to encompass design, writing, and increasingly editing. I've always been fascinated by space exploration and advanced transportation, which I've leaned into by interviewing luminaries in those fields while closely following the dimensions of policy and regulation that allow next-generation projects to succeed -- or, sometimes, to fail. I'm also keenly interested in the effects of generative AI on society, policies, and democratic institutions, as well as clean energy, physics and biology, and the vagaries of tech leadership. My work for Futurism has been cited by publications including Ars Technica, Gizmodo, PC Magazine, Jalopnik, Fox News, and the New York Post. I spent my childhood living in locations including Manila, the Philippines, and Geneva, Switzerland, attended McGill University, and now live in Toronto, Canada. Before Futurism I worked at AskMen and a small photography studio. In my free time, I'm an avid gardener, foodie, and craft beer lover, as well as a maker of artisanal hot pepper sauces. I have a magnificent dog named Freida. ### Author social links [Bluesky]()