Shape the Future of Food for Earth and Beyond

Deep Space Food Symposium
August 15-16, 2024
The Ohio State University

In 2019, NASA and the Canadian Space Agency instigated the Deep Space Food Challenge, a multi-year international effort to develop sustainable food systems for long duration habitation in space, on the Moon, and on Mars.

Since the launch of the Challenge in 2021, over 300 teams from 32 countries have developed innovative food system designs. On August 16, 2024 at The Ohio State University we will reveal the winners and celebrate our shared global effort.

Program Highlights

Witness the convergence of deep space exploration and food tech innovation as we celebrate Phase 3 of the Deep Space Food Challenge.

Co-hosted by NASA Centennial Challenges, Methuselah Foundation, and The Ohio State University, the Deep Space Food Symposium will celebrate the Deep Space Food Challenge, a multi-year international effort to develop sustainable food systems for long duration habitation in space, on the Moon, and on Mars.

Thursday, August 15

Experience exclusive tours, networking, knowledge sharing, and out-of-this-world culinary experiences.

EXCLUSIVE TOURS*

Get a hands-on look at the cutting-edge research and technology shaping the future of food production at the Ohio State University, including The George Washington Carver Science Park’s Starlab Ground Lab US and the Controlled Environment Agriculture Research Complex.

DEEP KNOWLEDGE SHARING*

Join the Teams, Judges, and Industry SME’s for in-depth technical discussions regarding new innovative approaches to space food systems from DSFC Phase 3 teams, including Interstellar Lab, Solar Foods, SATED, Nolux, Kernel Deltech, and Enigma of the Cosmos.

VIP DINNER: THE FUTURE OF FOOD @ FYR RESTAURANT*

Indulge in an evening where culinary excellence meets innovation, blending the finest of Ohio's local cuisine with a cutting-edge vision for the future of space food.

Join Chef Tyler Florence and FYR’s own Executive Chef Sebastian La Rocca to learn about the importance of this culinary evolution.

Meet the Deep Space Food Challenge Teams, subject matter experts, and industry leaders from organizations such as NASA, Starlab, and National Future Farmers of America.

*Please note that OSU Facility Tours, Knowledge Sharing Session, and The Future of Food @ FYR are by invitation only. Apply for attendance here.

Friday, August 16

Explore the nexus of space and food innovation with experts from NASA, commercial industry, and academia.

FULL-DAY PUBLIC SYMPOSIUM

Location:
Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center
2201 Fred Taylor Dr, Columbus, OH 43210

KEYNOTE
Houston, We Need a Food System
We set the stage for a full day of solving for the fundamentals of long-duration human habitation in space, on the Moon, on Mars, and how we bring it all home for terrestrial impact.

AGENCY PANEL
The Foodshot: Global Investments into Sustainable and Innovative Food Systems
Global investments in cutting-edge food systems, including NASA's Moon to Mars initiative, public engagement via programs like Centennial Challenges and ESIP, and international research advancing both space exploration and Earth's food security.

INDUSTRY PANEL
Commercialization Beyond Earth: The Roadmap for Space Habitation
In April 2024, NASA shared 187 technology priority shortfalls. How do government agencies and commercial space companies work together to solve for systems and technologies that will benefit all space missions?

IMPACT PANEL
Solving for Earth: How Space Food Innovations Benefit Earth
Revolutionary space food innovations are transforming preservation, agriculture, and nutrition, driving food security, health, and sustainability on Earth, and advancing key UN SDG goals.

IN-DEPTH TEAM PRESENTATIONS
Discover innovative approaches to the space food supply chain from DSFC Phase 3 teams, including Interstellar Lab, Solar Foods, SATED, Nolux, Kernel Deltech, and Enigma of the Cosmos.

DSFC AWARDS CEREMONY
Join us as we announce the winners of the US and International Deep Space Food Challenge and award up to $1,500,000.

WINNER’S ANNOUNCEMENT

Join us as we announce the winners of the US and International Deep Space Food Challenge and award up to $1,500,000 in NASA Prizes for Phase 3.

Meet the Solvers

Join us for a series of in-depth presentations featuring US and International teams from Phase 3 of the Deep Space Food Challenge, as they present revolutionary food systems designed for long-duration Moon and Mars missions.

TEAM INTERSTELLAR LAB
Barbara Belvisi
Founder and CEO, Interstellar Lab
NUCLEUS is a modular bioregenerative system that produces fresh microgreens, vegetables, mushrooms, and insects to provide micronutrients for long-term space missions.

TEAM SATED
Jim Sears
CEO, Ascent Technologies
SATED (Safe Appliance, Tidy, Efficient & Delicious) is an appliance that will allow astronauts to prepare custom meals from scratch ingredients in zero and low gravity environments.

TEAM NOLUX
Dr. Robert Jinkerson
Assistant Professor, Principle Investigator
University of California, Riverside
Nolux has developed an artificial photosynthetic system that is capable of producing plant- and fungal-based foods independent of biological photosynthesis.

TEAM SOLAR FOODS
Dr. Arttu Luukanen
Senior Vice President, Space & Defence, Solar Foods
Solar Foods has developed a novel food production system utilizing single-cell protein production by means of gas fermentation.

TEAM ENIGMA OF THE COSMOS
Nadun Hennayaka
Founder & CEO, Gaia Project Australia
Enigma of the Cosmos has developed an adaptive leafy and microgreen production that dynamically adjusts grow area to plant needs, increasing space efficiency by at least 40%.

TEAM KERNEL DELTECH
Dr. Pablo de León
President, De Leon Technologies LLC
The Kernel Food Production System autonomously produces inactivated fungal biomass using continuous cultivation, and is designed for low-gravity environments to maximize yield and safety.

Summit Hosts

NASA’s Centennial Challenges stand at the forefront of space exploration and technology by fostering innovation that can enhance space and aeronautical activities. NASA is committed to advancing knowledge and innovation for the betterment of humanity.

Methuselah Foundation is a biomedical charity that accelerates scientific breakthroughs that extend the healthy human lifespan, including gerotherapeutic and regenerative medicine approaches. As NASA's Allied Organization, it proudly administrates the Deep Space Food Challenge.

The Ohio State University stands as a pillar of research and education, driving progress in various fields, including agriculture, food technology, and space habitation. Co-hosting the DSFC Phase 3 demonstrations underscores its commitment to innovation and global well-being.

Register for the Symposium

Please RSVP by July 31, 2024

*Please note that OSU Facility Tours, Knowledge Sharing Session, and The Future of Food @ FYR are invitation only. Apply for attendance by checking the respective box and we will accommodate where possible.