Breed giant snails to make food for astronauts

Russian scientists are studying mini farm models to be able to feed African giant snails on the spacecraft.

Russia researched to grow giant snails to make food for astronauts

Russian scientists are studying mini farm models to be able to feed African giant snails on the spacecraft. This will be the main source of protein for astronauts during long trips.

Food on the universe is still very limited, most canned foods are easy to preserve for a long time. And there are almost no fresh foods, due to space conditions as well as the narrow space inside the spacecraft. The processing of food living in spacecraft is also very difficult.

Therefore, this study could help improve astronauts' eating in further trips, possibly coming to Mars .

Scientist Vladimir Kovalev at the Institute of Biology in Krasnoyarsk, in Siberia, said ' 2/3 of the protein needed to give astronauts comes from animal foods. However, astronauts cannot raise cattle in the spacecraft to make dishes'.

The introduction of animals to the universe has been conducted many times before, but some animals do not adapt to a zero gravity environment and die. In order for them to withstand the need for a special training, it is not feasible to bring these animals to space and become food for astronauts.

After a lot of research, scientists discovered that African snails can withstand the conditions inside the spacecraft. Besides, snail meat is also a good source of protein.

Dr. Kovalev said: 'An average person can consume about 100 to 150g of snail meat. So we need about 700 to 800 snails to provide enough protein for an astronaut on a trip to Mars. '

According to scientists in this study, snail meat tastes like liver and although its taste is not as good as many other meats, it is acceptable.

The giant African snail has a scientific name, Achatina fulica and is a mollusc species living on land with plenty of meat. They can grow to more than 20 cm and live up to 10 years. During the growth process, it keeps growing bigger.