NASA and CSA Host Deep Space Food Challenge Finale

NASA and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) have announced that the final phase winners of the Deep Space Food Challenge will be awarded on Friday, August 16, 2024, at the Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center in Columbus, Ohio.

The challenge, started in 2019, is a a multi-year international effort to develop sustainable food systems for long-duration habitation in space including the Moon and Mars.

Since Phase 1 back in 2021 over 300 teams from 32 countries have participated, with up to $1.5 million in prizes for the final event. Totaling the prize purse for this three-year competition at $3 million. International teams also will be recognized for their achievements.

“Advanced food systems also benefit life on Earth,Solutions from this challenge could enable new avenues for food production around the world, especially in extreme environments, resource-scarce regions, and in locations where disasters disrupt critical infrastructure.”

said Kim Krome-Sieja, acting program manager of NASA Centennial Challenges at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama.

Indeed, advanced food systems have the potential to significantly enhance life on Earth, particularly in harsh environments and areas with limited resources.

The Methuselah Foundation, NASA’s partner in the Deep Space Food Challenge, is hosting the event in coordination with the Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences and NASA Centennial Challenges.

The event includes a symposium, winners’ announcements, and live demonstrations of finalists’ food production technologies.

The awards ceremony will be livestreamed on Marshall Space Flight Center’s YouTube channel and NASA Prize’s Facebook page.

Attendees also will have the opportunity to meet the crew of Ohio State students called “Simunauts,” who managed operations of the technologies during the eight-week demonstration and testing period.

SOURCE NASA