日本語 | English
YAMAGATA UNIVERSITY · JAXA SPACE STRATEGY FUND
Eating well, in space and on Earth.
STAR-MEALS · Innovative Space Gastronomy Technology Development Hub
Connecting long-term food preservation, 3D/4D food printing and digitally supported dining.
Led by Yamagata University, STAR-MEALS explores technologies and systems that support the pleasure of eating in space. It is a selected research project within SX-CRANE, a technology development theme under the JAXA Space Strategy Fund.
Food as a foundation for a richer life.
During long-duration space missions, meals can support health, comfort, conversation and cultural connection. STAR-MEALS considers both physical and mental well-being in the design of future dining experiences.
We connect food preservation, reconstruction, preparation, serving and evaluation to explore how people can eat well in closed environments.
Our research｜From preservation to dining
01 | Preserve food
We study long-term food preservation using frozen gel-based materials and powdered ingredients. Making food available when needed is a starting point for supporting extended missions.
02 | Reconstruct food
We explore 3D/4D food printing to turn stored ingredients into edible forms. Texture, aroma and nutrition design are considered together with the satisfaction of the person eating.
03 | Connect preparation and experience
Robotics and digital technologies can help connect food preparation and serving. We also investigate approaches to evaluating future space dining, bringing preservation and printing technologies into practical meal systems.
From space to Earth
Research under space constraints can also inform food systems on Earth. Potential applications include nursing care foods, disaster preparedness, regional food industries and personalized dining services.
Project information
| Project | Innovative Space Gastronomy Technology Development Hub (STAR-MEALS) |
| Program / Theme | JAXA Space Strategy Fund / SX-CRANE SX-Center of Research ANd Engineering |
| Lead institution | Yamagata University, Japan |
| Research lead | Hidemitsu Furukawa |
| Planned implementation period | April 2026–March 2034 |
Collaborating 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.
The organizations listed above are the planned collaborators named in JAXA’s selection announcement.
The linked selection announcement and program page are in Japanese. This project introduction is maintained by SWEL, Yamagata University.
Related research
SWEL also conducts Moonshot research on long-term food preservation and SIP3 / GASTROVERSE research on dining experiences. These are separate projects with their own program objectives, contributing to our broader exploration of future food.
Collaborate with us
For research and collaboration inquiries, please contact the SWEL assistant.
Soft & Wet Matter Engineering Laboratory (SWEL), Yamagata University
4-3-16 Jonan, Yonezawa, Yamagata 992-8510, Japan
Email: swel@gp.yz.yamagata-u.ac.jp
