NASA awarded $125,000 grants to a NASA research team to develop a food additive that can be used in space to make pizza and other foods. The technology could allow astronauts to eat on longer space missions such as to Mars or to other distant destinations.
BeeHex, a Texas company, has already made a prototype using this technology. This machine costs approximately $10,000 to construct and can make pizza dough and toppings in just minutes. According to the company it can make pizza dough and toppings in a fraction of the time that traditional ovens.
Quartz reports that the first printer was a six-month-old project funded by NASA's Small Business Innovation Research grant (SBIR). It was intended to be used for long-term space missions, such as a mission on Mars. The agency was forced by budget cuts to cut some of its auxiliary activities, including the 3D printer.
The team decided that the technology should be more easily accessible for everyone on Earth. This decision allowed them to create BeeHex in 2015, which was their first business venture. The company plans to make customized, on-demand pizzas for hungry fans at sporting events or theme parks by using its food printers.
In addition to the pizzas, BeeHex is also developing a system that can print custom sandwiches, salads and even breakfast bars that are customized for each individual customer. The system would then dispense the food, and allow it to heat in a commercial stove.
This technology could be used to save astronauts from having to eat frozen, pre-packed "space food" all day. Additionally, it could cut down on waste and help reduce the environmental impact of a trip to space.
BeeHex also claims that it is working to repurpose its technology so that it can be used by restaurants for baking goods. The company is planning to build a larger machine that can print several kinds of dough, sauce and cheese all at once.
The technology could make pizza more delicious and easier for people who love it. Investors became interested in the company’s potential to be a global leader within the food printing industry.
Quartz heard from one investor that "Pizza is a good product to get started with this technology because it's so easy to make and store." It is a good fit for a vending machine. This could be useful for restaurants or retailers who want pizza available at their location. It also makes sense for amusement parks and festivals, as those venues often have limited space and need to be able to serve food quickly.
This technology is still years away, but it looks promising. 3D printed food can provide a healthier alternative than traditional meals if the ingredients are right. It is also eco-friendly and can be easily modified for vegetarians and vegans.