The Silk Road once connected China to the rest of the world. Now, Chinese researchers propose that silkworms could provide a lifeline for long missions to outer space by serving as meals for astronauts.
To survive for years in space, astronauts may need to bring along miniature ecosystems that provide necessities such as oxygen and food. Past research into what animal protein astronauts might live on has assessed poultry, fish, and even sea urchin larvae. All of these animals have drawbacks. Poultry needs a large amount of food and space, which is typically limited on expeditions, and it produces a lot of excrement. Fish and other aquatic life are very sensitive to water conditions, disturbances in which could delay spawning, hatching, and development.
Enter silkworms. — ScienceMag.org
