Dr. Kaleigh Stabenau’s research proposal investigating objective measurement of olfaction and its relation to subjective food satisfaction in space has been accepted for a future human spaceflight mission with SpaceX and Vast Space. Out of over 140 proposals submitted, only 8 were selected. This will be the first time that smell has been objectively measured in the spaceflight environment, as well as the first time changes in smell may be able to be linked to decreased food satisfaction previously observed in this environment. This has implications for long duration human spaceflight and exploration class missions to the Moon and Mars, where smell and food satisfaction are an important adjunct in maintaining mental health in these extreme and isolated environments.

Additionally, the data obtained during this study could aid in the development and selection of food products for future human spaceflight missions to improve wellness and nutrition. This research represents a paradigm shift from humans simply surviving in space to humans truly thriving in space, and paves the way for a more holistic approach to human spaceflight.