3D printer produces meat in space laboratory on the International Space Station Cells were taken to space and grown into muscle tissue using a 3D bioprinter

In an out-of-this world first, lab-grown meat has been successfully cultured in space.

Bovine cells, harvested on earth were taken to space where they were grown into small-scale muscle tissue using a 3D bioprinter.

The experiment which took place in September was undertaken by Israeli food technology company Aleph Farms.

The i newsletter latest news and analysis Email address is invalid Email address is invalid Thank you for subscribing! Sorry, there was a problem with your subscription.

It grew the meat on the Russian segment of the International Space Station, 248 miles away from any natural resources.

First-of-its-kind experiment

The technique could be used in the future to provide meat for people living on the space station.

While this alien concept may be some time off yet, Aleph Farms said that the aim of the experiment was to advance its research into meat production.

It added that it shows that meat could be grown in harsh conditions without depending on natural resources.

“We are working on a new method to produce the same meat, but in a way that uses less than half of the greenhouse gasses,” said Didier Toubia, co-founder and chief executive officer of Aleph Farms.

“The experiment in space shows that meat can be cultivated in the harshest conditions, meaning anywhere, anytime and for anyone. In space, we don’t have 10,000 or 15,000 litres of water available to produce 1kg of beef.

“We can potentially provide a powerful solution to produce the food closer to the population needing it, at the exact and right time it is needed.”

This latest development will offer some hope in the battle to provide people with real meat without the environmental impact and intensive farming methods.

“This joint experiment marks a significant first step toward achieving our vision to ensure food security for generations to come, while preserving our natural resources,” added Mr Toubia.

Space steak

This space stunt comes after Aleph Farms announced in December that it had produced a prototype “strip” of steak grown from cells in a lab in two weeks.

The prototype cost $50 (£41) for a small strip, although the makers admitted the taste needed perfecting.

At the time Mr Toubia, insisted such lab-grown steak was at least three to four years away from commercial sale.



