If you’re a science advisor for sci-fi films or shows, you’re in a unique position to influence how people think about the future of food, agriculture, and technology. You’re in a position to amplify Sci-Fi Insect Farming.
Art imitates life, and life imitates art. I often find myself talking to the T.V. screen when my favorite shows like For All Mankind (FAM) and The Expanse (TE) give us incredible glimpses into the future of space travel but lack what will be the pillar for circularity in closed-loop agricultural systems: insect farms.
Sci-fi shows have a way of taking far-off inventions or frontier science concepts and bringing them into relevant conversations by much broader audiences. This is how so many of us know about cryofreeze technology, microgravity, and using mushrooms for deep-space recycling, even though we wouldn’t otherwise come across these ideas in our day-to-day lives.
Science fiction has always been a precursor to science fact, especially when it comes to Science fiction-inspired designs and inventions. Most complex technologies begin with the germ of an idea in the mind of a creative person and more often than not, it’s a science fiction writer.
Sci-Fi Insect Farming Could Inspire Inventors, Investors, and More
While not perfect at forecasting the future of technology, society, and space travel, books and shows inspire curious minds to imagine what the future could be.
Since Iron Man hit the big screens, many inventors have posted videos of their real-life Iron Man Suits. Dune’s cautionary future tales sparked humans to invent our own ‘stillsuits’. There’s even a whole Wikipedia page dedicated to listing existing technologies predicted in science fiction.
According to Smithsonian, Martin Cooper, the director of research and development at Motorola, credited several “Star Trek” technologies as partial inspiration for the design of the first mobile phone in the early 1970s. Also, Apple scientist Steve Perlman says that he got the idea for the groundbreaking multimedia program QuickTime after watching an episode of “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” wherein one of the characters is listening to multiple music tracks on his computer.
My friends who don’t otherwise care about climate tech will speak for hours about the technology used in each episode of For All Mankind. For this reason, I’m urging all science advisors for mainstream sci-fi shows to include insect technology in your scripts.
Insect-based technology WILL play a huge role in the future of space travel and sustainable farming in general. Hollywood could help scale this climate-critical technology by bringing it to life on screen.
Sci-Fi Insect Farming: Life Support for Long-Duration Space Voyages
Ship life support systems are crucial for sustaining human life on long-duration space missions. Many sci-fi series highlight the importance of these systems through the habitats and ships their stories are set in. Many feature ship modules that are designed to recycle air, water, and waste, as well as provide a stable atmosphere and temperature control. The life support systems are also equipped with agricultural modules to grow food, further reducing reliance on resupply from Earth. These innovative systems enable humans to thrive in space for extended periods.
Food replicators are an inevitable part of Star Trek’s everyday experience. Food replicators use energy to reconfigure the molecules of other forms of biomatter into items that look like what the person orders and hopefully tastes like it as well. Without sufficient energy however, the replicators are unable to function. Hence the reason that Voyager had to find edible things along their journey.
Food availability for long-term space travel is not highlighted in the Star Wars franchise. Online discussion forums hypothesize that underground mushroom facilities would produce basic organic molecules for processing into various food matters.
The science fiction series The Expanse works hard to paint a realistic picture of what a future space-based society could look like — including what spacefarers will eat. Belters, the lanky, low gravity-adapted humans who live inside asteroids and space stations scattered across the outer solar system, are highly resourceful when it comes to finding calories. They use giant solar mirrors to grow crops on Jupiter’s moon Ganymede and grow meat in vats, likely using advanced stem cell technology. But the staple of Belter cuisine is Fungi.
But when it comes to finding a solution to recycle waste products, create feed for organisms higher on the food chain, and produce soil for crops, insects are foundational for several reasons. Insects are already well-suited to indoor growing and have relatively simple resource requirements. On a spaceship where it’s necessary to recycle resources to the utmost degree, compost or even human waste could be used as substrate to feed the insects. Insects have short lifespans and grow quickly. Black soldier flies, for example, will consume nearly any organic matter in just 14 days! Sci-Fi Insect Farming would be a game-changer.
This is in stark contrast to most plant-based crops that take weeks or even months to produce harvestable food. If disaster strikes a greenhouse growing corn or soy — like what happened in The Expanse when a battle above Ganymede station caused the solar mirrors to come crashing down on agricultural domes — people will need other sources of calories that can be scaled up quickly to prevent a famine.
Future food production may need to occur in the cramped quarters of a small spaceship. According to Statista, cows require about 254m2 of farmland per gram of protein produced. Pigs require 63m2 and chickens require 51m2. In contrast, insects only take about 18m2 of land per gram of protein. With only 2kg of feed from food waste and a mere square meter of space, farmed insects can produce up to 1kg of protein. (Making) Mushrooms are also in the running; you can easily produce 30 to 40 pounds of mushrooms in a week in a space of about 48 cubic feet.
Insects are already quietly working behind the scenes on Earth, contributing to ecosystems and offering sustainable solutions in ways that future urban or space-based communities could benefit from. Here’s why sci-fi insect farming deserves a spotlight in sci-fi and how it could inspire innovations for our real-world future.
The Circular Food System: Insects as Both Food and Waste Processors
Insects are nature’s perfect upcyclers. Unlike traditional agriculture that often relies on large inputs of resources and produces significant waste, insects can transform organic waste into high-quality protein. In a circular food system, insect farming could be depicted as part of a self-sustaining loop where food waste from humans or plants is consumed by insects, who in turn are harvested as food or feed.
For instance, black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) can consume and decompose organic waste rapidly, reducing food waste and turning it into protein and fat. This protein can then be used to feed humans, fish, or livestock, while the leftover insect “frass” (or waste) makes a rich fertilizer. This type of closed-loop system can thrive in futuristic settings where space and resources are limited, making it ideal for colonies on Mars, space stations, or ultra-dense mega-cities.
In a show, the visual of an insect-powered biodome or futuristic city that recycles its own organic waste through sci-fi insect farming could effectively highlight a highly efficient, sustainable way of life.
Sci-Fi Insect Farming: Insects as a High-Efficiency Food Source
Insects are an incredibly efficient source of protein, and they’re poised to become an essential component of sustainable diets. Crickets, for example, require far less water, land, and feed than cows to produce the same amount of protein. They also emit significantly fewer greenhouse gases, making them a sustainable protein source.
Imagine a futuristic society where food sources are scarce, and every bit of efficiency counts. By incorporating insect farming technology into a sci-fi setting, you can highlight a realistic solution to feeding dense populations or small space crews with limited resources. Not only are insects like crickets and mealworms nutritious, but they are also adaptable and easy to cultivate in vertical farms—perfect for a spaceship or urban colony.
Incorporating sci-fi insect farming into media helps normalize the idea of insect-based proteins and opens up an exciting new vision for alternative proteins that’s more energy-efficient than conventional meat. Plus, insects do not have to be consumed by humans. Rather, insects can be the waste recycling tools that create soil fertilizer and animal feed.
Organic Waste Elimination and Bioremediation: Bugs Clean Up Our Mess
One of the lesser-known benefits of insect farming technology is its role in organic waste elimination and bioremediation—the process of using living organisms to clean up pollutants. Certain insects, like mealworms, have even shown an ability to break down plastics in addition to organic waste. In real-world applications, black soldier flies are used not only for composting but also for breaking down agricultural waste that would otherwise go to landfills, where it would emit methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
This ability to reduce and recycle waste could be a game-changer for futuristic habitats where every resource counts. Imagine a society or spaceship where waste is fed directly to insects, which then break down the materials and return nutrients to the system. This type of circular waste management could be key in depicting self-sustaining ecosystems in sci-fi, making societies appear more advanced while emphasizing sustainability.
Bioremediation via insects is also relevant in the context of a post-apocalyptic or polluted setting. Insects could be depicted as heroes that clean up contaminated environments, breaking down organic waste or absorbing harmful chemicals, leading to environmental recovery in ways that feel natural and scientifically feasible.
Soil Health: Insects as Ecosystem Restorers
Beyond providing protein and managing waste, insects play a crucial role in enhancing soil health, an ecosystem service that could be important for any agricultural society—whether it’s set in the future or in outer space. Insects like worms and beetles help aerate and enrich the soil, improving its fertility and creating a healthier environment for plants.
In the context of sci-fi, soil health might not be the first thing viewers consider, but it’s foundational to long-term food production and ecosystem stability. Including insects as essential to soil maintenance could show how advanced societies prioritize healthy ecosystems, even in settings with limited natural resources. It’s a way of emphasizing that sustainable farming practices don’t stop at food production but include taking care of the entire ecosystem. Sci-fi insect farming would close the loop.
Sci-Fi Insect Farming: A Sci-Fi Vision Rooted in Reality
Including sci-fi insect farming technology in media isn’t just about realism—it’s about showing viewers that future societies can be both advanced and sustainable. The potential applications of insect farming technology align perfectly with sci-fi’s goal of exploring the boundaries of what’s possible. By depicting these sustainable practices, sci-fi creators have the chance to inspire real-world solutions that future-proof Earth’s food systems and environmental health.
If you’re a science advisor or creator, consider how sci-fi insect farming technology could add an educational and visionary layer to your world-building. It’s a way to keep the science in sci-fi grounded in actual technological advancements, while still pushing the boundaries of imagination. Through a thoughtful portrayal, you could introduce audiences to an innovative technology that supports a healthier, more sustainable world—whether it’s here on Earth or among the stars.
Here are some reliable sources to support the factual claims in the blog post on educating science advisors about Sci-Fi Insect Farming technology:
- Circular Food Systems and Organic Waste Management: Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) are key in creating circular food systems by converting organic waste into high-quality proteins and organic fertilizers. These processes contribute to waste reduction, soil health improvement, and greenhouse gas mitigation.
- Protein Production and Ecosystem Benefits: BSFL are efficient at transforming organic materials into protein-rich biomass, making them an eco-friendly alternative to conventional animal feeds. They also play a significant role in nutrient recycling, reducing reliance on environmentally taxing feed sources like soy and fishmeal.
- Bioremediation and Soil Health: Insect farming contributes to bioremediation by repurposing waste products and minimizing landfill use. The resulting by-products, such as frass (insect excrement), enhance soil fertility and structure.
- Integration into Sustainable Agriculture: Studies highlight the potential of insect farming in sustainable agriculture by reducing dependency on traditional feedstocks and enabling local, low-carbon food systems. Insect farming facilities are increasingly being set up near waste management centers to close the loop on organic material use.
For further details, you can explore the following articles:
- Entocycle on insect bioconversion for waste management
- Entocycle | Insect Farming Technology
- MDPI on BSFL’s role in sustainable poultry nutrition
- MDPI
- Wired on the growth of the insect farming industry and its benefits
- WIRED
- Scientific American
- Space salad bar: Interstellar Lab wins $1M in NASA contest by growing plants, edible insects
- University of Illinois Chicago