This Topical Team will examine current scientific evidence on the potential for rearing insects in space for consumption by astronauts and settlers, and evaluate:
- insect species with the right nutrient profile and food safety parameters
- impacts of space-specific environmental factors (e.g., radiation, μG) on insect physiology, rearing and nutrient profiles, and
- objective indicators to assess insect-based foods’ suitability for consumption or undesired changes that affect palatability and safety (based on interactions between the above)