Researchers want to use pyrolysis to turn asteroids into food for long-term space exploration

Scientists at Western University propose mining asteroids to produce food for deep space exploration. Their study suggests converting asteroid hydrocarbons into edible biomass through pyrolysis and engineered microbes. This process could potentially solve the challenge of feeding astronauts on long-term missions. Researchers estimate that an asteroid like Bennu could support between 600 and 17,000 "astronaut life years." While promising, the concept requires further research. The idea builds on DARPA's ReSource project, which explores turning plastic waste into food for troops.