Coffee in Space: ISSpresso and Espresso on the ISS

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Kaffee im All: ISSpresso und Espresso auf der ISS

A sip among the stars: coffee in space combines a familiar ritual with unusual technology. On 3 May 2015, Samantha Cristoforetti enjoyed an espresso made with ISSpresso aboard the International Space Station. But coffee’s journey into space began earlier. [2]

Coffee in space: three documented milestones

1969: coffee aboard Apollo 11

The Smithsonian holds a coffee package flown on Apollo 11 and returned unused. It documents coffee as a flight provision, not who drank the very first sip. [1]

17 April 2015: ISSpresso reaches the ISS

ESA documents the arrival of the Dragon spacecraft carrying ISSpresso. An espresso machine had become part of the station’s supplies and research. [3]

3 May 2015: espresso in orbit

NASA documents Cristoforetti’s first use of the new machine on this date. This espresso milestone should not be confused with the first coffee of any kind. [2]

What was ISSpresso?

Argotec and Lavazza developed ISSpresso for use in space. The technical research paper describes the requirements for an espresso system aboard the ISS. It was not simply an unmodified kitchen appliance sent into orbit. [4]

How was the coffee prepared?

According to the Italian Space Agency, ISSpresso heated and pressurised water. NASA describes using a beverage capsule and a connected drinking pouch, removed after brewing. The machine and drinking vessel therefore performed different jobs. [5][6]

How does a space cup work?

An ordinary cup cannot be used in microgravity just as it is at home. The Space Cup uses surface tension, wetting and its special shape to guide the liquid. NASA describes Don Pettit’s prototype as a starting point for this development. The cup is a separate fluid experiment, not the espresso machine itself. [7]

Why familiar rituals can matter in orbit

ASI identifies familiar food and drink among the comforts crews may miss on long missions. ISSpresso expanded their choice of hot beverages. That does not mean every astronaut considers coffee equally important. [5]

Separating evidence from storytelling

This article distinguishes documented events from embellishment. It does not name a cosmonaut as the first person to drink coffee in space without sound evidence. Invented quotations and supposedly definite plans for growing coffee on Mars are also excluded from this historical account.

Enjoying Italian coffee back on Earth

You do not need space technology for your own coffee break. Explore our whole coffee beans or 44 mm E.S.E. pods and choose the format suited to your machine. Our range is not an accessories catalogue for ISSpresso.

For the cultural background, read about Italian coffee rituals. Perhaps the story of an espresso in orbit will inspire you to savour your next coffee break.

Frequently asked questions about coffee in space

Was there coffee in space before 2015?

Yes. The coffee package flown on Apollo 11 documents coffee aboard a spacecraft in 1969. It was unused, so it does not identify the first person to drink it. [1]

When did Samantha Cristoforetti drink her ISSpresso?

NASA dates the image of her first drink from the new machine to 3 May 2015. [2]

Was the espresso served in a pouch or a cup?

The machine used a connected drinking pouch. Specially shaped capillary cups were also studied. These are distinct parts of the story. [6][7]

How does liquid reach the mouth from a space cup?

Surface tension, wetting and container shape guide the liquid. NASA explains this principle in its description of the Space Cup. [7]

Was ISSpresso just about comfort?

No. The technical paper also addresses developing and operating a beverage system under the particular conditions aboard the ISS. [4]

Sources and context

The linked museum and space-agency sources document specific objects, events and experiments. This article does not identify an unverified first coffee drinker or claim that ISSpresso is currently operating.

  1. Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum — Space Food, Coffee, Apollo 11
  2. NASA — Samantha Cristoforetti, ISSpresso, 3 May 2015
  3. ESA — Samantha with new Dragon arrival, 17 April 2015
  4. ISSpresso Development and Operations — research article
  5. Agenzia Spaziale Italiana — ISSpresso
  6. NASA — ISSpresso Machine
  7. NASA — Don Pettit’s Space Cup

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