3D printing for space food applications: Advancements, challenges, and prospects

Abstract

Space foods closely associate with the performance and mental health of astronauts. Over the years, a range of manufacturing technologies have been explored and advancements in food 3D printing can provide answers to certain existing challenges and revolutionize the way foods are prepared for space exploration missions. Apart from the nutrition and satiety perspective, product shelf-life, variety, personalization, and the need for customized diets are critical considerations. In such long-duration human-crewed space missions, under microgravity conditions and exposure to space, psychological factors heavily affect food consumption patterns. Therefore, there has been a surge in research funding for developing products and methods that offer safe, nutritionally balanced, and delightful food options. 3D food printing could be a creative solution for such requirements. While multiple challenges must be addressed, the technology promises waste minimization and the scope for on-site on-demand food preparation. This article begins with fundamental concepts of this subject, provides a timeline of the advancements in the field, and details the futuristic prospects of the technology for long-duration space missions.

Keywords: 3D printing; Diet; Food customization; Food printing; Microgravity; Space foods.