(Image Source: TNO Research)
BY MATT MORENO
It's tough to get a pizza delivered to Mars.
Instead, NASA is developing a 3D printer capable of instantly materializing food.
Quartz reports NASA is in partnership with Systems and Materials Research Corporation
to develop a 3D printer that could print food for astronauts.
(Via Quartz)
The company owner says he's already printed chocolate, so creating a device to print other
foods isn't out of the question.
(Via YouTube / Anjan Contractor)
NASA is reportedly giving the company a six month, $125,000 grant to work on the project.
The concept is still in the works, but it will reportedly involve adding cartridges
filled with powders, oils and nutrients into a printer.
The machine could then create nutritionally balanced meals.
(Via YouTube / TNOResearch)
But, why stop at food?
The 3D technology is allowing for further innovations.
CNN reports a variety of companies are already printing jewelry, buttons, game pieces and
other small items.
(Via CNN)
But 3D printing technology means the public could potentially print anything, including
guns.
Defense Distributed briefly put up the plans for a 3D printed gun earlier this month.
(Via YouTube / vice)
Many of the ingredients used in 3D food printing have a shelf life of 30-years — plenty of
time to get to Mars.