NASA to use 3D printing for making food in space
the 3D printer concept will use building blocks in replaceable powder cartridges that when combined, creates different meals and food combinations.
NASA to use 3D printing for making food in spaceimage courtesy TNO research
NASA has awarded anjan contractor – a mechanical engineer for the systems and materials research corporation (SMRC) – a small business innovation research contract worth 125,000 USD to develop a universal 3D printing prototype for synthesizing food. the study by the texas-based company will conduct studies to test the feasibility of using additive manufacturing for making meals in space – the first of which will be a fully edible pizza. the concept will use building blocks in replaceable powder cartridges that when combined, creates different combinations of food types. it works by first ‘printing’ a layer of dough, which is baked at the same time by a heated plate at the bottom of the machine. it then lays down a tomato base, ‘which is also stored in a powdered form, and then mixed with water and oil,’ says contractor.
the software for the creation will be open-source, and the hardware will be based on the existing open-source ‘rep rap mendel’ 3D printer. as the current NASA diet system doesn’t meet the nutritional needs and five-year shelf life required for a mission to mars or other long duration missions, contractor’s cartridges are estimated to have a shelf life of almost 30 years, which will enable longer duration space missions.
chocolate printing trialvideo courtesy anjan contractor
the 3D food printer is based on the open-source ‘rep-rap mendel’image courtesy rep rap
gastronomy diagram – how the system worksimage courtesy systems and materials research corporation
3D printing foodvideo courtesy TNO research
arrival of fresh food and supplies delivered on the international space station image © NASA
