The Chinese were always known for their stubbornness. The idea of a astronaut-diet which consists mainly off mealworms was proposed by the Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, which is China's largest and most sophisticated facility for developing life support systems in space in 2009. It was met with a lot of criticism, specially in the west. But in 2014 they conducted an experiment where volunteers lived 105 day of mealworms and certain vegetables. Insects being their main protein source. It worked, of course the participants still had other foodsources and were not entirely self-sustainable, but the point was proven.
Not just some crazy researches in china consider insects a valid part of the space-diet. There has been some promising research, concluding that silkworm cultures may be a healthier way to supply humans (astronauts) in Controlled Ecological Life Support System (spaceships) with protein, healthy fats and amino acids. As this is only a short article we will not go into the actual science, but only a few more or less obvious points why insects are good for Astronauts, and what’s good for astronauts is usually good for all of us.
You can grow insects with nothing but sugar and artificial light. A little insect farming might go a long way on mars. As humans need continuous supply of food, and (at least in the early years) there is no FedEx which will ship cheaply to mars, settlers will need to learn how to grow their own food on mars. Also the horrendous delivery time makes it difficult. Roughly 26 years is way too long.
Why researchers started looking into different insects in space has a few reasons:
- They have a high feed conversion, therefore need less feed.
- Short life cycle, Insects can be reared within 45 days. Often less. This means the food is ready much faster.
- Insects are high in protein, amino acids and omega-3 and -6
- They consume organic waste, so they can be used as part of the plant waste disposal system.
- More ethical food consumption compared to other animals. Insects do not feel pain like chicken or cattle.
- Parts of insects have been used in 3D printing. Maybe we will have a Insect protein cookie printer on mars.
And so on and so forth. Basically is is still unknown what and how we humans will eat on mars, if we ever do so. But it certainly can be said that the settlers will develop their own cuisine. Who knows, maybe in a few hundred years everybody cues for the newest Marsian cricket burrito.
If your are interesed in more space stories, have a look at www.space.com, @SPACEdotcom
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