NASA reveal space algae ‘key to manned Mars mission’

For food purposes, it’s more than likely it would be used as a nutritional supplement rather than a dietary staple” says Kevin Tyre, a payload analyst at the International Space Station, who managed NASA’s Space Algae experiment.

Getting the nutritional balance just right is a problem, too.

“Depending on the species and strains, some algae can be too high in protein and nitrogenous compounds like nucleic acids, and some can have a high percentage of cell wall material in the biomass, so you might need multiple types that are selected or engineered for a balanced food source” says Wheeler.

For radiation shielding, there is also potential. In space, astronauts are bombarded by highly energetic particles known as cosmic radiation. Finding something to block that radiation is key to helping us survive in space.

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