Unraveling the intricate connection between dietary factors and the success in long-term space missions

In recent decades of spaceflight, inadequate caloric intake has posed significant nutritional challenges, contributing to muscle degradation, weakened immune and cardiovascular systems during and after space missions. This challenge becomes more acute on longer exploration missions, where transporting all food for the entire mission becomes a logistical challenge. This places immense pressure on the food system, requiring energy-dense, varied, stable, and palatable food options. Prolonged storage can lead to nutrient degradation, reducing their bioavailability and bioaccessibility to astronauts. Research is essential not only to improve the quality and stability of space food but also to enhance nutrient bioavailability, thereby reducing weight and volume of food. Muscle and bone loss represent major risks during extended spaceflight, prompting extensive efforts to find exercise countermeasures. However, increased exercise requires additional energy intake, and finding the optimal balance between energy needs and the preservation of muscle and bone mass is challenging. Currently, there is no reliable way to measure total energy expenditure and activity-related energy expenditures in real-time. Systematic research is necessary to develop onboard technology for accurate energy expenditure and body composition monitoring. This research should aim to establish an optimal exercise regimen that balances energy requirements while maintaining astronaut strength and minimizing food transport. In summary, this overview outlines key actions needed for future exploration missions to maintain body mass and physical strength of space travellers. It addresses the requirements for food processing and preservation, considerations for space food formulation and production, and the essential measures to be implemented.

Scent in Motion: On the Multiple Uses of Ambient Scent in the Context of Passenger Transport

There is undoubtedly growing interest in the role of scent in the design of multisensory experiences. However, to date, the majority of the research has focused on its use in the (static) built environment. As highlighted by this narrative review, somewhat different challenges and opportunities arise just as soon as one starts to consider olfaction in the case of transportation–what might be called “scent in motion.” For instance, levels of anxiety/stress while traveling are often higher (especially in the case of air travel), while, at the same time, the passenger's personal space is frequently compromised. Four key functional roles for scent in the context of passenger transportation are outlined. They include the masking of malodour, the introduction of branded signature scents, short-term olfactory marketing interventions, and the functional use of scent to enhance the experience of travel. In the latter case, one might consider the use of scent to help reduce the stress/anxiety amongst airplane passengers or to give the impression of cleanliness. Meanwhile, in the case of driving, scents have been suggested as an inoffensive means of alerting/relaxing the driver and may also help tackle the problem of motion sickness. The specific challenges associated with scent in motion are reviewed and a number of future opportunities highlighted.