STAR-MEALS Project

Transforming Dining Experiences for Space Missions

Yamagata University has been selected as the representative organization for the JAXA Space Strategy Fund project “SX-CRANE” (SX-Center of Research ANd Engineering), with the aim of developing Innovative Space Gastronomy through long-term food preservation using frozen gel-based materials, 3D/4D food printing, and next-generation dining technologies.

STAR-MEALS is a space gastronomy initiative that looks beyond nutrition. It explores how food can support joy, comfort, satisfaction, and physical and mental well-being during long-duration space missions.

Under the concept of “Eating Well, in Space and on Earth,” the project will develop systems for preserving, reconstructing, preparing, serving, and evaluating food in closed environments. These technologies will contribute to future human space activities while also creating new value for life on Earth.

Vision

Food in space should not be limited to calories and nutrients.

For long-duration missions, meals will become an essential foundation for health, communication, culture, and well-being. STAR-MEALS aims to design future dining experiences suited to space environments, while opening new possibilities for food culture on Earth.

Technology

STAR-MEALS integrates several key technologies:

  • Long-term food preservation using frozen gel-based materials
  • 3D/4D food printing
  • Texture, aroma, and nutrition design
  • Robotic and digital food preparation
  • Evaluation protocols for future space dining
  • Applications to nursing care foods, disaster foods, regional food industries, and high-value-added food services

From Space to Earth

The technologies developed for space will also be applied to challenges on Earth.

By combining advanced food preservation, digital gastronomy, and soft-material manufacturing, STAR-MEALS aims to contribute to future food systems for aging societies, disaster resilience, regional food innovation, and personalized dining experiences.

Project Information

Project title
Innovative Space Gastronomy Technology Development Hub (STAR-MEALS)

Program
JAXA Space Strategy Fund / SX-CRANE
SX-Center of Research ANd Engineering

Representative organization

  • Yamagata University

Collaborative organizations

  • Kyushu University
  • The Ritsumeikan Trust
  • Yamagata Research Institute of Technology
  • Ichimasa Kamaboko Co., Ltd.
  • Watami Farm Co., Ltd.
  • Fuji Oil Co., Ltd.
  • F-EAT Inc.

Implementation period
April 2026 to March 2034, planned

Contact

For inquiries regarding STAR-MEALS, please contact the Soft & Wet Matter Engineering Laboratory, Yamagata University.

Soft & Wet Matter Engineering Laboratory, Yamagata University
E-mail:

JAXA Official Funding Page:
JAXA Space Strategy Fund – Theme 2-17
(Please note: This JAXA official open call and framework page is currently available only in Japanese.)