NASA Turns to Space-Made “Super Yogurt” to Power Future Moon and Mars Missions

BioNutrients-3 study explores how astronauts could grow vital nutrients on demand during deep space travel.

As space agencies prepare for longer missions to the Moon and Mars, one big challenge remains: how to keep astronauts properly nourished for years. Now, NASA is taking an innovative approach, by studying fermented food samples made in orbit.

The experiment, known as BioNutrients-3, was conducted aboard the International Space Station. It explores how beneficial microorganisms, similar to those used to turn milk into yogurt on Earth, can be used to produce essential vitamins and nutrients in space. The goal is simple but critical: create fresh, nutrient-rich supplements on demand, instead of relying only on packaged supplies that may lose potency over time.

During the mission, JAXA astronaut Kimiya Yui worked with probiotic cultures and bioengineered yeasts, demonstrating how astronauts might safely grow and consume nutrients while far from Earth.

The samples are now returning aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft as part of a commercial resupply mission. Once back on Earth, scientists at NASA’s Ames Research Center in California will analyze the results.

If successful, the research could reshape how future explorers eat in deep space. Instead of carrying years’ worth of vitamins, astronauts may one day “grow” what they need.

The study is part of NASA’s broader Artemis campaign and its Synthetic Biology project, aimed at developing breakthrough technologies for long-duration space travel, bringing humanity one step closer to sustainable life beyond Earth.