An experiment funded by the European Space Agency (ESA) has launched into orbit to test the viability of growing lab-grown food in space. Developed by UK-based Frontier Space and researchers at Imperial College London, the project aims to reduce the astronomical cost of feeding astronauts—estimated at £20,000 per day—by producing food directly in space. A mini bioreactor carrying genetically modified yeast was sent aboard the Phoenix spacecraft to orbit Earth for three hours before splashing down off Portugal’s coast for lab analysis.
Lab-grown food, made by growing proteins, fats, and carbohydrates through precision fermentation, could provide astronauts with nutritious, customizable meals. This experiment is a precursor to a planned food production pilot plant on the International Space Station within two years. Culinary designer Jakub Radzikowski is also working on turning lab-grown ingredients into flavorful meals, aiming to offer astronauts comforting, culturally familiar dishes. Britain’s first astronaut, Helen Sharman, praised the initiative, noting the potential for enhanced nutrition and improved morale for space crews.
