Could astronauts soon be crunching on crickets and mealworms as part of their space diet? European scientists think the answer is yes. With an eye on the future of deep space missions, researchers across the European Space Agency (ESA) are investigating how edible insects could sustainably feed astronauts on long-duration journeys, and the results are promising. Insects are no stranger to harsh environments. From fruit flies on rockets in the 1940s to water bears surviving direct cosmic radiation, studies show many species can cope with the stresses of microgravity. European teams, led by Professor Åsa Berggren of the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, are now probing the health, reproduction, and nutritional value of select insects under space conditions. Their focus: hardy species like house crickets and yellow mealworms, which the European Food Safety Authority authorized for human consumption in 2023. Why eat bugs? Insects are “surprising superfoods,” efficient protein factories, loaded with essential fatty acids, micronutrients, and vitamins. They grow rapidly on minimal resources, recycling waste that humans and crops can’t digest into edible biomass. Millions of people worldwide already enjoy over 2,000 insect species in their daily diets, and insect flour is popping up in mainstream foods on Earth, too. Yet, much is still unknown about how long-term microgravity affects insect health, life cycles, or breeding viability over several generations. Most experiments to date have been brief, lasting days or weeks, far too short for understanding multi-generational farming in space. ESA’s new programs will expose different insect species to all stages of life in orbit, from eggs through to adult, to ensure sustainable food production. Taste is another factor. Crickets have a nutty, earthy flavor, while mealworms can resemble bacon, and ants offer a hint of lemon. ESA astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti has already tried a blueberry cereal bar laced with cricket flour while aboard the International Space Station, and researchers hope to develop insect-based breads, pastas, and snacks tailored for space menus. The synergy of insect “mini-farms” with hydroponic plant systems offers a closed-loop way to recycle nutrients, potentially providing reliable, self-sustaining food cycles vital for Mars or Moon missions. If ongoing research proves successful, “yummy space bites with legs” could soon go from experiment to staple, radically changing the menu for life beyond Earth.
