Space travel has always pushed the boundaries of human exploration, but what about the food that sustains astronauts on these long journeys? As researchers turn to unconventional options, insects are gaining attention as a potential sustainable food source for future missions. A recent study published in Frontiers in Physiology highlights the surprising resilience of these tiny creatures in the extreme environment of space. Could they become a vital part of the astronauts’ diet in the future?
The Surprising Resilience of Insects in Space
For decades, scientists have experimented with various organisms to see how they survive in the harsh conditions of space. Insects, despite their small size, have demonstrated an uncanny ability to thrive in microgravity environments, making them an intriguing option for space food systems. A study published in the journal Frontiers in Physiology by Åsa Berggren and her team from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences found that insects “cope quite well in space environments. They have a good ability to withstand physical stresses.”
These findings suggest that insects’ hardiness could extend beyond just their survival—they may be able to adapt in ways that are crucial for long-duration space missions. The study also delves into how insects continue to grow and reproduce in space, further solidifying their potential as a reliable and resilient source of food for astronauts. While the specifics vary by species, the team observed that insects like fruit flies, mealworms, and crickets are particularly well-suited for space travel.
Habitat in a cassette for the fruit fly, used for scientific research both on Earth and in space. Findings from a study using fruit flies on the International Space Station suggest that space travel has an impact on the central nervous system, but that artificial gravity provides partial protection against those changes. Credit: NASA
Nutritional Benefits and Sustainability
Insects aren’t just survivors—they’re also packed with essential nutrients, making them a viable protein source for astronauts. Unlike traditional meat or plant-based protein, insects are highly efficient at converting nutrients from materials that humans can’t consume into nutritious food.
“These small animals are also very good at converting materials that we humans cannot eat into their own growth and provide us with nutritious food,” says Berggren.
This makes them not only a sustainable option but also a practical one, especially in space where resources are limited.
On Earth, insects like crickets and mealworms are already being recognized for their high protein content, healthy fats, and rich vitamin profile. In fact, some insect species have nutritional values that surpass traditional meat, offering comparable or even higher levels of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and important minerals like iron and zinc. These qualities make them an attractive option for space missions, where providing a well-rounded, sustainable diet is critical.
The Role of Microgravity: How Space Affects Insects
Space is an environment unlike any other on Earth, and the challenges posed by microgravity are profound. However, insects appear to be particularly well-suited to cope with these conditions. In fact, the lack of gravity doesn’t seem to disrupt their development or behavior in major ways. In the study by Berggren, fruit flies were among the most notable examples of resilience. Despite their tiny size, these insects successfully completed their entire life cycle in space, from fertilization to adulthood, proving that space travel doesn’t necessarily hinder biological processes that are crucial for reproduction.
Some species, like stick insects, did face challenges related to movement and reproduction in space, but others, such as ants and water bears, demonstrated remarkable resilience. This points to the possibility that, with the right species selection and environment, insects could flourish in space and provide astronauts with both nutrition and a source of research into life in microgravity.
The Potential for Space-Based Insect Farming
As space missions become longer and more complex, the need for self-sustaining food sources is growing. Farming traditional crops in space poses numerous challenges, including limited space, the need for constant energy input, and the difficulty of managing large agricultural systems. Insects, however, could offer a practical alternative. Their small size and low resource requirements make them an ideal candidate for space-based farming.
ESA’s researchers are already exploring ways to farm insects in space, potentially setting up small-scale farms onboard spacecraft or space stations. These farms could be designed to recycle waste products like carbon dioxide, turning them into food for the insects. With their ability to produce high yields with minimal resources, insects could become a cornerstone of space food systems in the coming decades.