NASA 1996 SBIR Phase I

PROJECT TITLE : : FOOD PROCESSING EQUIPMENT DESIGNED TO MINIMIZE ASTRONAUT INVOLVEMENT

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

Meals prepared from "scratch" can involve 50 to 75 or more sepa- rate unit operations. Most available small appliances are designed to perform only one, and require manual transfer of product from one operation to the next. Because of their high demand on astronaut time, and large stowage requirement, most available appliances are unsuitable for space applications. This project will examine specific requirements for food processing during extended space missions, as based on the current CELSS menu and recipes, to develop practical concept designs for appliances aimed at reducing the need for astronaut time as well as stowage space and weight. Major efforts will be focussed on reduction of transfers through development of design concepts combining frequently used operational sequences in a single device, much as the current breadmaker combines mixing, kneading and baking. Other "labor-saving" efforts will be focussed on developing practical appliance concept designs to automate equipment changes/reconfiguration, ingredient batching/ addition, and facilitate clean-up. On completion of Phase 1, a final report will be submitted, describing in detail the various concept designs developed, and recommending for further development and evaluation in Phase 2 those judged most effective in reducing astronaut involvement.

Thomas R. Parks
Food and AgroSystems Inc.,
P.O. Box 62185
Sunnyvale,CA94088

Food and AgroSystems Inc.
P.O. Box 62185
Sunnyvale,CA94088