Ever start your day pondering the futility of existence? I do. Often with a cup of the worst instant coffee, dreaming of a final escape into the void. But you know who might beat me to the punch? Astronauts. Only their void includes munching on space rocks. Seriously.
So there's this new study in The International Journal of Astrobiology that claims long-haul space travelers could chow down on asteroids. I'm not joking. They're thinking of turning astronauts into cosmic rock eaters! But don't fret—they won't gnaw raw rocks. Our brave space wanderers won't break their teeth but will feast on 'biomass' created by some insanely hard-working bacteria.
Here’s the scoop: a group of genius engineers proposed that after breaking down asteroids into a dusty delicacy using chemicals, these particles feed bacteria. Once these little bugs are plump and satiated, the astronauts could then enjoy a buffet of edible bacteria clusters. Makes freeze-dried ice cream seem gourmet, doesn't it?
Rumor has it that this zany idea isn't born from complete desperation but from a Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, which usually transforms troop trash into treasure. Only this time, it's about handling space junk—literally turning space waste into a dietary feast.
Now, as I daydream about my solitary demise, I can't help but worry about dying alone. But guess what—these astronauts might be the only creatures dining on extraterrestrial eats, so in a way, they're lonelier. At least I won't die eating asteroid bugs, right?
Based on the original article "The Food of Space Travel Could Be Based on Rocks".
