Deep Space Food Challenge
In response to NASA and the Canadian Space Agency’s Deep Space Food Challenge (DSFC), McGill’s Biomass Production Laboratory has formed the MARTLET (McGill Advanced bio-Regenerative Toolkit for Long-Excursion Trips) team. To date, this group of over 100 students has successfully submitted 6 design proposals to the competition and is among the largest teams competing in the DSFC.
Drawing from the Biomass Production Laboratory’s long-established expertise, MARTLET has proposed various mechanisms for feeding astronauts in deep space, including technologies to grow plants, algae, fungi, and insects as alternative food sources. In addition, MARTLET has obtained multiple industry partnerships, including UTechnologies, in order to further bolster the strength of their designs.
Two McGill MARTLET teams were successful in the challenge (Impact Canada).
Cricket Rearing, Collection, and Transformation System (CRCTS)
The Cricket Rearing, Collection, and Transformation System (CRCTS) is designed to be a protein source for astronauts and humans in remote environments on Earth by growing and harvesting protein-rich crickets in a first-of-its-kind controlled environment. Starting with nothing but a few hundred eggs, the CRCTS can quickly support the growth of tens of thousands of crickets every month. The CRCTS uses advanced filters, UVC lamps, and vacuum systems to completely isolate the crickets from the human living environment, ensuring minimal contamination risk throughout all system operations.
InSpira PBR
InSpira PBR - part of YOUR Green Revolution. The InSpira PBR is novel and modular 6-vessel photobioreactor i.e. a bioreactor with an embedded light source to cultivate microalgae in cartridge vessels. It is coupled with a harvesting and processing unit to transform the culture output into an edible gel that can be consumed as-is or used as a flavouring and dietary supplement when added onto other food products. It will allow operators to produce food in harsh environmental conditions, both in outer space and on earth while minimizing space usage, energy inputs, and skills required.
