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Astronauts feces could be recycled to make food

1,162 views · Published 2 March 2018 · 0:50 · Indexed 20 September 2026
Channel: News Direct · 2018 · News & Politics
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Researchers are developing a system that uses microbes and human waste to make food. 


In the future, astronauts traveling to Mars will need to recycle and reuse as much as possible, including their feces, CNET reported.


Scientists from Penn State University have been able to create a substance, as geosciences professor Christopher House describes as "a little bit like Marmite or Vegemite where you're eating a smear of 'microbial goo.'"


The system introduces microbes into the waste, which then break it down through anaerobic digestion. 


The researchers then took the methane released during the process to grow the microbe Methylococcus capsulatus, which is used in animal feed and is a good source of protein and fat. 


The research was partly funded by a NASA grant, as the agency looks for creative solutions for eventual manned missions to Mars. 


RUNDOWN SHOWS:
1. Spaceship flying towards Mars
2. Spaceship landing on Mars surface
3. System adds microbes to waste to break it down through anaerobic digestion
4. Methane produced is used to grow Methylococcus capsulatus


VOICEOVER (in English): 
"In the future, astronauts traveling to Mars will need to recycle and reuse as much as possible, including their feces." 


"Researchers are developing a system that uses microbes and human waste to make food for astronauts on long-haul missions."  


"The system introduces microbes into the waste, which then break it down through anaerobic digestion." 


"The methane released during the process is then used to grow the microbe Methylococcus capsulatus, which is used in animal feed and is a good source of protein and fat." 


SOURCES: CNET
https://www.cnet.com/news/nasa-astronauts-poop-waste-food-microbes-penn-state/


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Astronauts feces could be recycled to make food

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