As we push the boundaries of space exploration and extend space travel into endurance-class missions that are potentially months to years long in duration, it will be necessary to develop the technologies to offer crew proper nutrition employing creative choice of foods. Due to the extremely high monetary cost to launch payload of any kind, including prepared foods, it will become essential to provide a better solution for generating and feeding humans during transit as well as at the destination. From deep isolation experience, ranging from deep-sea oilrigs and submarine missions to research done at the Antarctica, it has been proven that crewmembers in high stress, deep isolation conditions crave good, fresh food much more than other creature comforts. Current solutions for astronaut nutrition from food production, packaging and presentation, are insufficient for longer duration space missions including long tours of duty to the Moon, Mars or asteroids. There is ongoing research to help further develop appropriate foods for astronauts to make it look, smell and taste better, and even technologies like aero, hydro and aquaponics to grow nutritious, fresh food and meats in zero gravity or microgravity. However, some technologies, such as biological food growth chambers are sensitive to the space environment and operate reliably only within a narrow range of varying parameters. Biological food chamber systems require careful round-the-clock monitoring and input adjustments for optimal performance. Newer and readily available three-dimensional printing/extruding technology presents a quicker and more reliable option, opening up the possibilities of use in the concoction of new flavors, creative and aesthetically pleasing design, aroma, and presentation of food and meat protein substitutes for space missions. It makes possible the technology to "upload" surprise menus and food items from mission control, thereby expanding food choice and tailoring nutrition for crew. This proposed technology also offers promise of commercialization of 3D food printing through economy and consistency for personalization of a variety of food products on Earth, both in high volume food production facilities as well as in restaurants and even as consumer products designed for home settings. Food technology is deemed vital for maintaining crew health and psyche, uplifting crew morale and productivity on endurance-class missions planned for the future. The use of 3D extrusion of foods in space will not only provide essential sustenance but will enhance the creative and social outlet for long crewed expeditions. Other potential exists for expanding the utility of 3D printing for space missions, including form-fitted astronaut wear, and is the topic that holds promise for further study.
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