Growing Food in Space

What will we eat when humanity journeys deeper into space—on months long missions, lunar bases or even the first homes on Mars?

At this year’s Great Exhibition Road Festival, Helen Sharman, the first British person in space, tucks into the evolving science of space food.

From the early days of squeeze tubes and dehydrated packets to the increasing need to produce fresh food during long duration missions, the challenge is about far more than survival. Food helps keep astronauts healthy, motivated and emotionally connected to life on Earth. But weighty supplies come at an enormous cost, so scientists are now exploring entirely new ways to grow food in space.

At this panel discussion, featuring scientists and an experimental chef, you will discover how bioreactors being developed with Imperial College London’s Bezos Centre for Sustainable Proteins could host precision engineered yeasts and microbial fermentation to create nutritious, enjoyable meals in orbit. A breakthrough that may transform not just space exploration, but sustainable food on Earth too!

This is a ticketed event, advance booking will open shortly.

Visitor information

Talks and discussions are intended for an adult audience and are best suited for ages 16+.

If you have an advance ticket, please arrive at the venue 10 minutes before the start time. Your ticket gives you priority access, however, as this is a free event we overbook to help ensure a full event and your space may be reallocated. Early arrival reduces this risk.

To see the precise location of where this talk is taking place, you can use what3words.com with the code 'ship.rips.congratulations'. 

This event has step-free access from the ground floor entrance of the Sir Alexander Fleming building and is fully wheelchair accessible, with designated wheelchair spaces located at the front of the lecture theatre.

This talk will have live captioning.

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