ESA considers crickets and mealworms as future astronaut food
The European Space Agency (ESA) is exploring house crickets and yellow mealworms as future astronaut food.
These bugs, now approved for human meals, are efficient protein sources that could help keep crews healthy on long missions to the Moon or Mars.
ESA's insect research on ISS
ESA scientists are planning to raise these insects on the International Space Station to study how they grow, reproduce, and stay healthy in microgravity.
This research aims to go beyond earlier short tests—eventually checking if insect colonies can last for generations in space.
More than just a meal
Turns out, edible insects can turn waste into useful stuff like biomass to help grow plants in closed habitats.
Astronauts have even tried cricket-flour bars up there!
Besides nutrition, having new foods can boost mood—a big deal when you're far from home.