Coffee

Space espresso for space tourists or using re-entry heat to roast coffee beans for Earth.

Updated: 2024-02-24

Created: 2018-11-01

Status

ISSpresso was sent to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2015 and is used to make coffee, tea and other hot beverages.1

Space Roasters announced plan in early 2019 to use re-entry heat to roast coffee beans. 4

Applications

  • Hot beverages for astronauts and space tourists.
  • Provide the comforts of home.
  • Could lead to new or improved brewing methods and techniques on Earth.
  • Popularize microgravity applications.
  • Roasting coffee beans in space for more even heat transfer.

Why & Solution

Crew members on long-duration space missions frequently miss the comforts of home, from favorite meals to a fresh cup of coffee. ISSpresso is not much larger than a typical Earth-based espresso machine, and produces espresso, broth or tea.1

ISSpresso is the first capsule-based espresso system able to work in the microgravity and extreme conditions of space.
Argotec and Lavazza worked together with the Italian Space Agency (ASI), in a public-private partnership, to bring the authentic Italian espresso into the International Space Station (ISS).2

Argotec has already patented innovative technologies capable of eliminating the coffee and water deposits generated by machines on Earth, thus reducing water waste by up to 30%. ISSpresso as an onboard system of the Space Station and no longer an Italian experiment. It will remain on the Station and the resources needed to keep it operational will be provided by NASA.3

Earthly Solution Risk

Brewed in space and will be consumed in space.

References

  1. ISSpresso (ISSpresso) - 02.07.18. Accessed 2018-11-27. Source

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  2. Argotec ISSpresso. Accessed 2018-11-27. Source

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  3. "Coffee in Space" - ISSpresso successfully completes the mission". Published 2018-01-08. Accessed 2018-11-27. Source

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  4. This company wants to use reentry heating to roast coffee beans. Published 2019-01-28. Accessed 2019-01-29. Source

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