ESA Advances Closed-Loop Systems, Integrating Edible Insects for Sustained Deep Space Missions

The European Space Agency (ESA) is actively developing strategies to achieve true self-sufficiency for extended missions, particularly those targeting Mars and beyond. A core component of this long-term vision involves the innovative incorporation of edible insects into astronaut diets and regenerative life support infrastructure. This initiative signifies a major transition toward establishing self-sustaining habitats in the space environment, moving beyond simple provisioning.

ESA's current research, ongoing as of November 2025, centers on utilizing entomophagy—the practice of consuming insects—as a dual-function solution. Insects provide a highly nutritious food source, and their cultivation systems can be integrated into regenerative life support to convert organic waste streams into usable resources. This closed-loop ecosystem concept is considered fundamental for enabling sustained human presence in space. A tangible precursor to this work occurred in 2022 when ESA astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti tested a cricket flour bar, signaling a step toward normalizing this food source for spaceflight.

The scientific basis for this space endeavor is supported by terrestrial data and regulatory progress. Globally, billions of people already consume over 2,000 insect species, confirming their status as a sustainable protein. Furthermore, the European Food Safety Authority authorized the human consumption of house crickets and yellow mealworms in 2023, removing a key regulatory barrier for their potential inclusion in space mission manifests. Key institutional collaboration in these pioneering efforts includes the Polish company Astronika working alongside the ESA.

This focus on bio-regenerative systems directly addresses the logistical challenges of deep-space travel, where resupply missions are often too costly and complex. Researchers are investigating the adaptability of these small organisms to controlled environments, drawing parallels from historical successes like the completion of fruit fly life cycles in microgravity. Studies suggest that certain species, such as mealworms, are highly capable of breaking down complex organic matter, making them ideal for waste recycling modules and minimizing the mass required to launch from Earth. This dual role as both a food source and a waste processor elevates the research from a novel idea to a critical engineering solution for future autonomous crews.