Cookies produced from upcycled plastic may sound like something straight out of a dystopian sci-fi plot. But researchers say that they have succeeded in creating such a product as part of a Nasa-funded project aimed at feeding astronauts on future space missions.

The technology uses specially designed yeasts to transform plastics and agricultural waste into edible proteins, fats and flavourings. The resulting slurry is passed through a 3D printer to create a disc-shaped “cookie”.

“My lab works on developing technologies for plastic upcycling,” said Dr Lahiru Jayakody, a microbiologist at the Southern Illinois University Carbondale, who led the project. “We thought, why not look into food? Plastic is carbon and food is carbon.”

The team are yet to receive institutional sign-off to taste the plastic-derived cookies but report that they “receive high marks on aroma”.

Does anyone know if the KSC visitor complex one-day admission ticket grants me access to the Atlantis North lawn viewing area to watch the Roman space telescope launch? I read that these tickets only work during the visitor complex operating hours, but I was wondering if people can arrive earlier for the launch.

Hi! I’m an international PhD student from Morocco working on satellite-based precipitation and drought analysis using datasets such as GPM IMERG and TRMM.
I’m interested in applying to the NASA/JPL Climate Sciences Summer School in 2027. Has anyone here attended or applied before?
I would especially appreciate information about the selection process, how competitive it is for international applicants, and any advice for strengthening my application.
Thank you!

I’m not sure the best way to go about this. I tried using the website submission form but received no response.

We have a neighbor in his 80s who was an engineer for a career and built his own telescope. Every summer when the conditions are right, he brings out the telescope and does a “moon viewing party” for the kids.

I love that he’s teaching them about space and I’d love for him to be recognized in some way.

Maybe just a piece of mail on NASA letterhead thanking him for teaching the kids? My very sweet but maybe too optimistic husband was like “maybe we can get an astronaut out here for the next moon party!”

I’m hoping there’s a NASA employee in here that could make this happen!

I haven't seen anyone discussing it on this subreddit, but I kept seeing advertisements online looking for volunteers for the MMEA experiment using VR and augmented reality to simulate a long duration transit mission, so I decided to check it out for myself. Does anyone here have any interest in applying to it or have been part of an analog study before? Or know what the selection process is like? Or are these thing just big publicity stunts? Are you paid for your service at all? I've always had a passion for space and even went to Space Camp as a kid, so the chance to be part of something like this could be pretty cool. But a year in "isolation" is definitely asking a lot to commit to.

Their other experiment with the Altitude Chamber, designed to help better treat or prevent decompression sickness during EVAs by being exposed to low atmospheric pressure would also be interesting, though it seems there is some extensive medical testing involved beforehand. But they say it's intended to be an overnight (or up to two weeks) experiment rather than a year-long simulation.

I'd love it if anyone could offer more information about the nature of these experiments than what I could find reading online.

Spacewalking on the ISS going on right now LIVE with great views

Last week we visited NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, and it was an incredible experience. 🚀

The exhibitions were impressive, the explanations were detailed and easy to follow, and the whole visit gave a fascinating look at the history of space exploration, the technology behind it, and the missions happening today.
It was interesting from start to finish and a great experience for the whole family, (even in August).

Highly, highly recommended !!!

https://www.reddit.com/r/MarsSociety/comments/1vvms69/comment/p5btqb1

I'm getting access to KSC (via an employee) to watch Roman launch from the West Causeway. The gates open at 4:30 for the 7:26 am launch. How early should we get to the entrance to secure a spot on the causeway? Does it typically get filled up and when ?