The ISSpresso is the first capsule espresso machine to work in the extreme conditions of outer-space, where the fluid dynamics of liquids and mixtures are quite different than on Earth.
Completed in only 18 months, the ISSpresso has a special steel tube compared to normal espresso machines, which can withstand pressures of over 400 bar.
About the size of a traditional espresso machine, the ISSpresso weighs in at 25 kg. All critical components are redundant for safety reasons per specifications developed with the Italian Space Agency (ASI).
Once the coffee has been “poured”, the machine’s system cleans the final section of the hydraulic circuit. At the same time, a small pressure difference inside a pouch, used as a cup, is generated.
When the straw punctures the pouch the aroma of the coffee is released.ISSpresso brings Astronauts a Taste of Home
The pouch is made from a transparent plastic, allowing astronauts to observe the cream as part of a fluid dynamic experiment, studying the behavior of liquids at high pressure and temperature in space.
The ISSpresso is designed and built to deliver the same quality as authentic espresso coffee. Emulating the cream, body, aroma and temperature of cups of espresso found on Earth, the ISSpresso is hoped to increase the quality of life for astronauts aboard the ISS.
Argotec and Lavazza partnership with ASI
The ISSpresso project is an initiative by Italian aerospace engineering company Argotec and coffee roaster Lavazza in partnership with the ASI.
The ISSPresso itself was installed by Samantha Cristoforetti, ASI astronaut, Italian Air Force captain and member of the long-duration mission, titled Futura.
Cristoforetti is the first Italian female astronaut, and the first person in outer-space to drink espresso coffee.The installation took place aboard the ISS on May 3, 2015. Cristoforetti and the Futura team will enjoy the ISSpresso over the course of the second long-duration mission sent to the ISS by the ASI.
The comforts of home are slowly creeping into the ISS. What implications can you see in this? What will engineers send into space next?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
For more information on the ISSpresso’s special pouch, read on with us here.
To learn more about the ISSpresso experiment, visit NASA.gov.