Spacecraft News EDIBLE HARDBOARD IN SPACESHIPS

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30154, 11 June 1963, Page 7

Spacecraft News EDIBLE HARDBOARD IN SPACESHIPS

A recent issue of “Missiles and Rockets" magazine contains a description of edible structural materials for use in space station construction. The bright idea of Dr. Sydney Schwarz, chief physiologist at the Grumman Corporation, is to use wholemeal, powdered milk, cornflour and powdered banana flakes as raw materials for making edible hardboard. It is given an outer coating of aluminium foil and plastic laminate and can be used for making panels, bunks and dividing walls. The layer of aluminium foil seals the food content to prevent deterioration.

Should an emergency arise and supply rockets are un-

able to reach the space station for a long period, the station crew can start consuming tlie edible hardboard when their normal food runs low. Containing about 1500 calories per pound, the hardboard can be ground up and soaked for 24 hours to provide a nourishing cereal. It is said to taste like bananaflavoured porridge but Dr. Schwarz maintains that other flavourings and vitamins could be added to the formula without spoiling its excellent structural properties. Spacemen in the orbiting space stations of the future may walk along corridors with walls labelled lemon meringue or pumpkin pie or sleep in bunks ifaarked apricot delight.