A recent study by RMIT has suggested that the isolated environment of the International Space Station, rather than just a lack of gravity, is behind reports from astronauts that food tastes blander in space. It’s an important development because if we’re going to send humans to Mars and beyond, we’ll have to consider their diet and psychology.

On this episode, Dr Julia Low, an RMIT senior lecturer, talks to host Adam Thorn about the study’s results.

The pair discuss how they replicated the ISS on Earth, how its findings can be used to tailor meals for astronauts, and where the research goes next.