Mining Asteroids For Food Is Now Possible
A team of scientists from Western University’s Institute for Earth and Space Exploration recently discovered a method of providing food for future long-distance space exploration by utilizing particles found in asteroids. The researchers identified a complicated process by which extreme heat could be used to break down the wide array of organic compounds that exist on these oxygen-deprived space rocks. The hydrocarbons this process produces could be used to feed microbes, leading to them growing and producing a great deal of caloric value for human consumers.
The Right Rock Can Feed Astronauts For An Entire Mission
If the asteroid mining chooses the right kind of rock, the researchers estimated that there could be enough organic material contained within to grow anywhere between 50 to 6,550 metric tons of edible material. This would yield enough space food to sustain between 600 and 17,000 astronaut life years. The drastic difference in these numbers depends on whether a certain isolated material is used or if all of the available microbes are put to work.
A Helpful Side Effect
In order for this to be possible, future scientists will need to focus their asteroid mining on specific types of space rocks called carbonaceous chondrites. These particular asteroids hold in excess of 10 percent water and a wide variety of organic matter. The most well-known asteroid of this type is Bennu, which was the subject of the OSIRIS-REx NASA mission from 2018.
The NASA mission wasn’t meant to be asteroid mining, but one that instead simply collected samples to return to Earth to be studied. The OSIRIS-REx mission returned to the planet last year and has been the subject of extensive research.
Solve The Problem Of Food For Long Missions
The discovery of Western University scientists may well solve the problem of packing enough food for long missions. For perspective, the crew members that live on the International Space Station are forced to rely on supplies being delivered to them from Earth every so often. But if asteroid mining can be used to yield a seemingly endless supply of nourishment, humankind could potentially go to the outer realms of our solar system and beyond.
Still Problems To Solve
It’s also important to note that, while asteroid mining may lead to the food scarcity problem being solved, it does nothing for the other vital supplies needed for space exploration. Breathable oxygen, clean clothing, mechanical equipment, and other items a mission relies on to safely continue will need to be addressed with other research projects.
The Quality Of The Food Is Suspect
Of course, this discovery also opens the door for a litany of questions about the quality of the food that asteroid mining could provide. Exactly how the rocks would have the organic material extracted and processed and whether or not the “food” that this material would potentially give can be eaten remains to be seen. At this point, it’s not probable that what can be grown would even taste good, even with the skills of a mission’s best chef at hand.
Though the research has answered some concerns, time and patience could lead to a solution to the others that are quite innovative.
Sources: Cambridge University Press
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