Eternal Space Division, Kernel Deltech is a Finalist in NASA's Deep Space Food Challenge

July 14, 2023
Kernel Deltech, the space-oriented division of Eternal Bioworks, has been recognized as finalists in NASA's Deep Space Food Challenge. This prestigious competition seeks to inspire and foster the creation of food systems capable of supporting missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
Eternal Space Division, Kernel Deltech is a Finalist in NASA's Deep Space Food Challenge

Kernel Deltech's created a unit that leverages fungi fermentation to create a sustainable, nutrient-rich food source for astronauts on long-duration space missions.

The technology, based on the industrial production processes of Eternal, has been reimagined to operate with the minimal resources available in space. The compact, fully automated system, once likened to a fungi-food version of a coffee pod machine, has been tested and verified for safety and efficiency by NASA judges.

A portion of the Russian segment of the International Space Station and Earth's horizon (2014) Credit: NASA

Recognized for their high protein content, fungi present an ideal alternative protein source for space exploration, given go quickly it grows. Kernel Deltech's team has meticulously optimized every aspect of fungi production, ranging from cost to water and energy consumption. The team’s patented technology incorporates state-of-the-art artificial intelligence and robotics to simplify an otherwise complex production system.

"After winning the previous phase, expectations were high. We are proud to have made it to the NASA final," said Lucas Gago, Chief Innovation Officer of Eternal. "This technology has the potential to revolutionize the alternative protein industry, both for space exploration and for democratizing access to good nutrition here on Earth." Added Miguel Neumann, who has recently become the Company CEO.

In addition to its success in the Deep Space Food Challenge, Kernel Deltech has reached the finals of the XPRIZE Feed the Next Billion competition with a chicken breast analogue made with their proprietary Mycofood™. This achievement further demonstrates the versatility and potential of the company's innovative approach to sustainable food production.

On May 20th, Kernel Deltech will be showcasing its technology at the NASA Deep Space Food Challenge and Beyond event at Smart Design in Brooklyn. "Having Kernel Deltech present in the final round of NASA's Deep Space Food Challenge is a testament to our team's hard work and expertise in sustainable food production," said Horacio Acerbo, Founder of the Eternal Group. "Our technology can bring humanity one step closer to long-duration space travel.”

The Deep Space Food Challenge is a joint initiative by NASA and the Canadian Space Agency. The competition invites innovative minds worldwide to design, build, and test new ways of sustaining astronauts in space for months or even years at a time, with minimal resources, minimal waste, reduced water requirements, and a focus on safe, healthy, and appetizing food options.