Gravity Proof
Contributors | Maggie Coblentz, Nancy Valleron, Addison Söder, and Alchemist
Gravity Proof is a performance and mission to prepare and cook bread in space.
Inspired by ancient recipes and archaeological bread remains, this exploration reimagines the cosmic past, present, and future of bread. We are producing experimental methods and data to capture the materials, processes, and sensory attributes of bread as it ventures off our home planet. An ambassador of Earth, dough breathes and dances through simulated zero gravity on a parabolic flight. A story shared through texture and aroma, bread offers a glimpse into another space and time.
This multi-part work includes an experimental performance on a parabolic flight, a video, bread recipes, and space fermentation technology. Research is ongoing.
On a zero gravity flight in May 2021, Maggie explored choreographed and intuitive interactions with floating dough for creating new bread forms in weightlessness. The zero gravity flight was supported by the Space Exploration Initiative.
Maggie Coblentz performs with dough in a zero gravity flight in May 2021. Chef Space Suit designed by Söder Studio.
Space Soda Bread in collaboration with Alchemist.
Bread Recipe Development
Space bread recipes are in development for the constraints of space, including the challenge of preparing food in zero gravity, limited equipment, human factors, and shifting sensory perceptions. As a proof of concept, a prototype for Space Soda Bread (pictured above) uses ingredients to specifically enhance the flavour and texture of bread in space, and is inspired by spherical forms naturally made possible by zero gravity.
Recipes were developed through a collaboration with the two Michelin star restaurant Alchemist in Copenhagen, Denmark and the research division, Nabila Rodriguez, Mikel García, and Diego Prado. Space Baking Suit
A custom baking spacesuit was made through a collaboration with Söder Studio. Special zero gravity features include a custom tool belt to store ingredients, and a floating apron that transforms into a wearable countertop.
Space Soda Bread recipe development in collaboration with Alchemist. Ingredients were selected based on sensory perception in zero gravity.
Space Baking Suit
A custom baking spacesuit was made through a collaboration with Söder Studio. Special zero gravity features include a custom tool belt to store ingredients, and a floating apron that transforms into a wearable countertop.
Baking Spacesuit designed and made by Söder Studio.
Space Fermentation Chamber
We are developing a novel system design for an environmental sensing and control chamber. A prototype for a Space Fermentation Chamber was flown on a parabolic flight in May 2021 to test the basic functionality and "life support system" required to maintain a sourdough starter in space. Sourdough recipes specially tuned for zero gravity are being developed in collaboration with researchers Nabila Rodriguez and Mikel García at Alchemist.
Expanding on existing space-ready food technologies, the prototype is designed for future research missions and integration into the ISS. Fermentation not only preserves food, but enhances its sensory attributes. In the future, this closed-loop system could be used for a variety of fermentation-based products to help space explorers make nutritious and delicious food with minimal infrastructure.
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