NASA granted $125,000 to a NASA team of researchers to help them build a food synthesiser that can 3D print pizzas and other foods in space. They believe the technology will enable astronauts to survive longer space missions to Mars and other faraway destinations.
BeeHex in Texas has already designed a prototype. The machine, which cost around $10,000 to create, can create pizza dough, toppings, and other ingredients in minutes. According to the company, it's faster than a person and consumes less energy than traditional ovens.
Quartz reports that the original printer was a 6-month project, funded by a Small Business Innovation Research(SBIR), grant from NASA. The printer was to be used in long-term space flights like a mission towards Mars. The agency was forced by budget cuts to cut some of its auxiliary activities, including the 3D printer.
Eventually, the team decided to make the technology more accessible for people on Earth, a decision that paved the way for them to start a business, BeeHex, in 2015. Their goal is to offer personalized, on-demand pizzas at sporting events and amusement parks using their food printers.
BeeHex is developing a system to produce custom sandwiches, salads, and even breakfast bars, which can be customized for each customer. The system will then distribute the food and heat it in a commercial oven.
This technology could help astronauts avoid the monotony of eating frozen, prepackaged "space food" every day. It would also allow them to eat healthier foods. It could reduce waste, and also help to reduce the environmental impacts of a trip into space.
BeeHex also claims that it is working to repurpose its technology so that it can be used by restaurants for baking goods. The company is planning to build a larger machine that can print several kinds of dough, sauce and cheese all at once.
If the technology works, it could be a game changer for those who love pizza, and perhaps even for those who don't. Investors have shown interest in the potential of the company to be a global leader in food printing.
One investor told Quartz, "Pizza is an excellent product for this technology to start with, as it's so simple to make and store." This makes it ideal for vending machines. It could be used by restaurants or retailers to have pizza at their premises. It's also an ideal fit for amusement parks and festivals because they often have limited space, and need to be capable of serving food quickly.
While this technology is not yet a viable option for most people on Earth, it is promising. 3D-printed food can offer a healthier alternative to traditional dishes if you have the right ingredients. It is also eco-friendly and can be easily modified for vegetarians and vegans.