Insect protein as a viable, sustainable source for astronaut nutrition

摘要

Sufficient and sustainable crew nutrition will play a crucial role in the success of manned deep space missions. Supplying astronauts with a balanced diet on a spacecraft with limited resources and constrained space presents unique problems which will need to be solved by exploring new sources of food. Although much research has been performed on cultivating plants on spacecraft and other planetary bodies, very few studies have explored insect farming for long-term space nutrition. Insects have been foraged by humans worldwide since prehistory for their accessibility and high nutrient density. In cultivation, insects require very little water and space to farm. For these reasons, insects can be important food sources in space. In terms of nutrient composition, crickets and silkworms can reach 65-70% protein by volume in their powdered form. Other species are rich in fats that provide effective caloric energy, including the caterpillar and larval stages of moths and mealworms. Honey bees produce honey, a delicious source of carbohydrates, but are also edible and nutritious themselves. Here we review evidence in favour of utilizing insects as a primary source of protein, as well as a supplementary source of fibre, fats, vitamins, minerals and essential amino acids. These macro- and micronutrients will be valuable for astronauts on long transit flights and for scientific outposts on the Moon and Mars. Other benefits of using insects on spacecraft will be considered, such as their ability to improve plant crop health and consume organic waste products from plants and humans to close the onboard ecosystem loop. Other components produced by these insects such as silk cocoons for textiles may also add to their value in space. Finally, we present an overview of the major gaps in our knowledge of insect responses to reduced gravity environments and suggest critical studies needed in order to fully grasp the viability of using insects in space.