3 ms·

Perhaps I assume too much, but if nutrition and what one should eat were really as simple as what Soylent is trying to do, wouldn't NASA or the Soviet Space Pro

Perhaps I assume too much, but if nutrition and what one should eat were really as simple as what Soylent is trying to do, wouldn't NASA or the Soviet Space Program devised a solution like this for the Astronauts and Cosmonauts? Each program spent tons on researching anything and everything needed to go into space and at some point, I would presume their scientists would have proposed or tested an idea like this. Edit: I mean that more as a statement of curiosity as to if they did any research and the results of it than as an argument (since there's flaws to it like the argument of variety and morale in long missions). I would guess the Soviets if not NASA would at least be interested in it due to the tight budget of their space program and the ideology of the government (perception of avoiding extravagance).

bryans 13y ago
My memory could be mistaken, but I seem to recall that they have tested this and do have options similar to Soylent, and the reason they use "regular" foods is more for psychological reasons than technical ones.
GhotiFish 13y ago
I suspect NASA has safety a higher priority than efficiency. They might go that route, but why take the risk?
Moto7451 13y ago
In the Mercury program, food looked like this (mmm Soylent-y) : http://airandspace.si.edu/exhibitions/apollo-to-the-moon/online/food.1.html http://airandspace.si.edu/exhibitions/apollo-to-the-moon/onl... Problem was that it wasn't particularly enjoyable. During Gemini/Apollo food looked like this: http://www.space1.com/Artifacts/Apollo_Artifacts/Apollo_Food/apollo_food.html http://www.space1.com/Artifacts/Apollo_Artifacts/Apollo_Food... Anyone up for Catfood? Probably tasted a lot better than Mercury Tube food but not quite the same as mom's. Today food looks like this: http://www.nasa.gov/audience/formedia/presskits/spacefood/gallery_jsc2003e63872.html http://www.nasa.gov/audience/formedia/presskits/spacefood/ga... And well.. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/70/AstronautsEatingBurgers.jpg/800px-AstronautsEatingBurgers.jpg http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/70/Ast... Kinds like it does on Earth. Some other fun tidbits: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_food#Apollo_program_.281968-1975.29 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_food#Apollo_program_.2819... I think NASA and other space entities could come up with a super Soylent like substance for sustenance in space, but the trend towards normal food is apparent. I think it's safe to say that Astronauts are well disciplined and dedicated... and if they're not willing to put up with eating goop in a tube... Well I think it goes to show that people by large, even under extreme and alien circumstances, enjoy presentation and variety more than Mr. Rhinehart may believe (or like to suggest to us).

bryans 13y ago

My memory could be mistaken, but I seem to recall that they have tested this and do have options similar to Soylent, and the reason they use "regular" foods is more for psychological reasons than technical ones.

GhotiFish 13y ago

I suspect NASA has safety a higher priority than efficiency. They might go that route, but why take the risk?

Moto7451 13y ago

In the Mercury program, food looked like this (mmm Soylent-y) : http://airandspace.si.edu/exhibitions/apollo-to-the-moon/online/food.1.html http://airandspace.si.edu/exhibitions/apollo-to-the-moon/onl... Problem was that it wasn't particularly enjoyable. During Gemini/Apollo food looked like this: http://www.space1.com/Artifacts/Apollo_Artifacts/Apollo_Food/apollo_food.html http://www.space1.com/Artifacts/Apollo_Artifacts/Apollo_Food... Anyone up for Catfood? Probably tasted a lot better than Mercury Tube food but not quite the same as mom's. Today food looks like this: http://www.nasa.gov/audience/formedia/presskits/spacefood/gallery_jsc2003e63872.html http://www.nasa.gov/audience/formedia/presskits/spacefood/ga... And well.. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/70/AstronautsEatingBurgers.jpg/800px-AstronautsEatingBurgers.jpg http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/70/Ast... Kinds like it does on Earth. Some other fun tidbits: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_food#Apollo_program_.281968-1975.29 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_food#Apollo_program_.2819... I think NASA and other space entities could come up with a super Soylent like substance for sustenance in space, but the trend towards normal food is apparent. I think it's safe to say that Astronauts are well disciplined and dedicated... and if they're not willing to put up with eating goop in a tube... Well I think it goes to show that people by large, even under extreme and alien circumstances, enjoy presentation and variety more than Mr. Rhinehart may believe (or like to suggest to us).