From Earth to Orbit: How Solar Foods' Solein is Revolutionizing Space Nutrition
Discover how Finnish food-tech pioneer Solar Foods is sending Solein, their next-gen protein, into orbit with OHB System.
Finnish food-tech trailblazer Solar Foods is embarking on an interstellar journey in partnership with European space-tech giant OHB System. Their groundbreaking pilot project, HOBI-WAN, aims to develop gas fermentation technology capable of producing edible microbial protein, Solein, in the vastness of space. “This would be the first time we will be able to verify that our technology works in space,” exclaims Arttu Luukanen, senior VP Space & Defence at Solar Foods. According to foodingredientsfirst.com, this innovation could transform how we nourish our explorers beyond Earth’s grasp.
Bringing Earthly Innovation to the Stars
Initially, researchers will focus on developing a ground-based prototype. This initial step will simulate zero-gravity conditions to test the viability of Solein production before aiming for the stars, literally integrating this revolutionary tech into life support systems aboard future commercial space stations and surface habitats on the Moon or Mars.
Navigating Zero-Gravity Challenges
Growing Solein in microgravity presents unique hurdles. “The behavior of gases and liquids in microgravity is vastly different due to lack of buoyancy,” explains Luukanen. This new endeavor seeks to mitigate these challenges, ensuring safety when handling gas mixtures of hydrogen and oxygen, vital for Solein’s development and sustenance.
A Space-Savvy Superfood
Synonymous with unprecedented sustainability, Solein is tasteless and integrates seamlessly across culinary applications. Its production uses air and renewable energy, positioning it as the protein of tomorrow. Already approved in Singapore and seeking recognition in the United States, Solar Foods is pushing the boundaries of what the F&B industry thought possible.
A Recipe for Endurance in the Stars
Space explorers face an age-old challenge: sourcing sustainable, nutritious food to meet their caloric needs on lengthy missions. Phone home? Not an option on Mars. Thus, ESA’s chief exploration scientist Angelique Van Ombergen envisions a future where scientifically advanced sustenance, like Solein, is key to humanity’s success among the stars.
The Sensory and Emotional Dimensions of Space Cuisine
”[For] long duration missions on the Moon or Mars… innovative and sustainable solutions are invaluable,” Van Ombergen shares. In the quest to ensure meals remain safe, appetizing, and water-conserving in space’s closed ecosystems, competent tech partnerships lead the charge against this cosmic culinary challenge.
The efforts of Solar Foods, with the backing of the European Space Agency’s Terrae Novae Exploration Programme, underscore a growing resonance in human endeavors: making deep space exploration not just a reality, but a sustainable, banquet-ready journey. As ESA astronaut Rosemary Coogan discussed during an interview with Food Ingredients First, the coming food advancements promise to illuminate the sensory and emotional roles food will play in humanity’s future beyond the heavens.