Océ technology has helped one print firm capture the ultimate untapped market: outer space.

An Océ Arizona 550 GT inkjet flatbed has been used to produce about 100 polyethylene packages that will transport dehydrated Italian meals to the International Space Station.

The European Space Agency asked an Italian food processing company to prepare the meals for an Italian astronaut who couldn't live without home-cooked food.

A printer then received the contract for the job, which Océ described as very challenging.

"It required printing and submitting samples of different polyethylene packaging that was subjected to military-level testing including temperature variables, checks for resistance and vacuum conditions, plus safety and boiling tests, all vigorously overseen by the various levels of the European Space Agency."

Océ Australia product manager Steven Badger said: "After conquering Planet Earth with sales of more than 3,000 units and countless applications, the next frontier for the Océ Arizona is outer space."