An extremely difficult problem bound up with space travel of any
duration is that of food. Astronauts will not be able to take large
supplies of food on their voyages and probably will have to reuse what
they do take. Learning how to do this is no easy matter. Some doubt if
it can be done. Others are optimistic.
The body of scientists now working directly on space feeding and
nutrition is working effectively at a rate only attained by high
motivation. But this motivation suffices and their efforts will
ultimately provide at least a partially closed space feeding system
by the time it is critically needed and, eventually, an ideal one
for long voyages of man into the remoter reaches of outer
space.[54]
If the optimists are right, it is conceivable that the information gamed
from this research will have profound influence on food and agricultural
processes in the future. The use and growth of synthetics or new foods,
and their effects on the soil, could prove invaluable as the worlds
population climbs and the demand for food multiplies. Better
understanding of weather processes, as provided through space
exploration, will also be valuable in terms of agriculture. Long-range
accurate weather prediction would be worth millions of dollars in proper
crops planted and crop damage avoided.
Meanwhile, as in other technological areas, space research is providing
specific new tools for the food and agriculture industry. Infrared food
blanching, for instance, is highly effective in preparing foods for
canning or freezing. The development of a new forage harvester based on
principles of aerodynamics uncovered by missile engineers is another
example.