a system that 3D prints food using hydrocolloids. A flavour can be selected and
nutrients can be added in, and the result is the same as eating real food. Less
waste would be created with this method as well, due to the lack of packaging.
However, the plausibility of this option on Mars or aboard a shuttle is different. So
far, the printer struggles with creating vegetables and meats, which cuts into an
astronaut’s main diet. And a 3D printer, plus all the hydrocolloids required to
keep it stocked, would take up as much time and money as simply sending
prepackaged foods would.
The most often proposed option, and the most practical option, is growing
food directly on Mars, but that poses challenges. What can be grown on Mars,
and how will the planet’s soil affect any plants that are grown? Though most
aspects of Mars’ soil are similar to Earth’s, Martian soil also contains perchlorates,
a chemical toxic to humans. However, Weiger Wamelink, an ecologist from
Wageningen University, has proven that food grown in simulation Martian soil is
actually safe to eat, due to the
plants not absorbing the heavy
metals found in the soil. Vegetables
grown aboard the ISS were also
deemed safe to eat, via the Veggie
plant growth system aboard the ISS,
which is a box that keeps plants at
the ideal growing temperatures and
nutrient levels. Another system for
food growth on the ISS is the Lada, a
miniature greenhouse. Hydroponic growing has also been viewed as an option,
in order to avoid using Martian soil entirely and instead just relying on more
water to grow plants, however this would considerable narrow down the
amount of plants that could be grown.
Edible plants grown in space will likely be crops that have a shorter
growing time and a higher yield. Tested plants include radishes, peas, rye, and
tomatoes, all of which would thrive just fine on Mars. Other plants that would
likely be grown include various herbs, potatoes, cabbage, and lettuces. Plants
that grow quickly and easily, and can be eaten with little prep time will likely be
favourites. Some plants that have pickier growing requirements or require lots of
time and space, such as carrots or corn, would likely not be grown in any of the
first few missions to Mars.