Space Food: Turning Urine into Protein for Astronauts

Astronauts might soon be eating protein powder made from their own urine. This is not a joke. The European Space Agency is exploring this idea to keep astronauts fed during long space missions. The protein powder is called Solein. It is made using air, microbes, and electricity. The process involves a special bacterial culture. This culture is fed with hydrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and even urine. Yes, you read that right. Urine is part of the recipe. The goal is to recycle resources. This includes waste produced by the crew and life support systems. The idea is to make space missions more self-sufficient. This could be a game-changer for long-term space travel. The project is called HOBI-WAN. It stands for Hydrogen Oxidizing Bacteria In Weightlessness As a source of Nutrition. The first tests will be done on Earth. If successful, the technology will be tested on the International Space Station. The European Space Agency believes this could improve astronauts' well-being. It could also make long-duration missions possible. This includes trips to the Moon and even Mars. The agency sees this as a key capability for the future of space exploration. Critics might wonder about the taste and practicality. But the focus is on sustainability and innovation. The idea is to find ways to survive with limited supplies. This is crucial for the future of space travel.