NASA is aiming to turn human feces into a source of food for astronauts as longer and deeper space missions are proving to be difficult. Astronauts' supply when they venture into space is limited, which is why scientists are constantly devising ways of providing more efficient technologies, especially as the much-anticipated Mars mission is looming near.
If NASA is indeed able to utilize human feces to produce food and plastic, astronauts will then be able to accomplish longer missions, according to Immortal.
Clemson University in South Carolina researchers will be receiving a $200,000 grant for a three-year research with the goal to genetically engineer yeast to create items for astronauts' use on space, according to The Times of India,
"A particular strain of yeast can be genetically manipulated to create polymers, or plastics, used for 3D printing, as well as Omega 3s, which lower heart disease risk, and protect skin and hair," said Mark Blenner, a Clemson University's professor teaching at the chemical and bioengineering department.
Nitrogen is reportedly needed for the production of yeast, which can be found in human urine. Because human urine has enormous yeast amount, it can turn carbon into algae if mutated genetically.
Blenner aims to genetically engineer yeast by using human urine and exhaled carbon dioxide as its basic components, and thus create other essential items that astronauts could use, reports Business Standard.
According to Blenner, the difficulty of long-term space travel is the lack of a facility where astronauts are able to buy essential items and a "premium of space." There is neither a Home Depot nor a food market in space.
According to NASA, the Clemson University grant was one of eight grants they have awarded throughout the United States. Other grants also focus on "innovative early stage technologies" which resolve the space program's high priority needs.
Other research NASA has funded include solar cells which are able to sustain high heat and offer better thermal protection during entrance to atmospheres. NASA has been continuously experimenting with the creation of other resources for astronauts, including vegetables.
Earlier this month, astronauts inside the International Space Station were able to harvest and eat romaine lettuce that they have grown on board using LED light. According to NASA, the "Veggie system" could be used for the harvest of other fruits and vegetables on Earth.
As much as growing of their own food meant the benefit of physical nutrition for the astronauts, it reportedly also helps the psychological nutrition of the astronauts.
"We think that having that additional component of fresh food grown on the station, would make the crew generally happier, and hopefully healthier," said Gioia Massa, NASA's head of plant growing technology.
2030 is the target date by which NASA wants to land on Mars, therefore finding a sustainable food source will determine the success of the mission. According to Daily Times Gazette, the space agency is now preparing needed tools and technologies that astronauts would need to survive the Red planet. The aim of the mission is to find more information on Mars' history as well as alien life.