A team of researchers at NASA has received a $125,000 grant to build a food synthesizer that could 3D print pizza and other foods in space. The technology could allow astronauts to eat on longer space missions such as to Mars or to other distant destinations.
BeeHex in Texas has already designed a prototype. The machine, which costs around $10,000 to build, can create pizza dough and toppings in a matter of minutes. The company claims it works faster than humans and uses less energy that 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 to cancel several of its auxiliary projects due to budget cuts by Congress, including the work on the 3D printing printer.
The team decided eventually to make the technology more available to all people, which led to the creation of BeeHex, an online business. Their goal is to offer personalized, on-demand pizzas at sporting events and amusement parks using their food printers.
BeeHex will be able to print customized sandwiches, salads, and breakfast bars for every customer, in addition to pizzas. The system would then dispense the food and allow it to be heated in a commercial oven.
This technology could save astronauts from the drudgery of eating freeze-dried, pre-packaged "space food" day after day and would allow them to eat healthier foods. It could reduce waste, and also help to reduce the environmental impacts of a trip into space.
BeeHex states that it is currently working on ways to reuse its technology so it can be used in restaurants for baking. The company is working on a machine that can print many types of dough, sauces and cheese simultaneously.
The technology could make pizza more delicious and easier for people who love it. Investors are now interested in the company's potential growth as a leader in the food printing sector.
Quartz heard from one investor, "Pizza would be a great product to launch this technology with because it's easy and simple to make and store." It's a great fit for vending machines, which could prove useful for restaurants and retailers who need pizza at their stores. 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.
This technology is still years away from becoming a viable option for consumers on Earth, but it's a promising prospect. With the right ingredients, 3D printed food can be a healthy alternative to traditional meals. It's also very eco-friendly, and can be easily modified to meet the needs and preferences of vegans and vegetarians.