Italian astronaut Capt. Samantha Crisoforetti won’t have to drink instant coffee anymore on board the International Space Station, as on Friday, a SpaceX supply ship delivered the very first space espresso machine, along with more than two tons of food and gear to the astronauts. The first space espresso machine was originally schedule to be delivered to the ISS three months ago, but was delayed after another SpaceX Dragon capsule supply ship exploded after launching.
The ISSpresso, Space Espresso Machine
Crisoforetti, along with the other ISS astronauts in the Expedition 43 Crew, such as NASA astronaut Scott Kelly, who is on a one year mission, and Commander Terry Virts, will not only be able to make coffee with the first space espresso machine, but also hot tea, consommé, and other drinks. Crisoforetti, who is due to leave next month, is anxious to try out the new coffee maker.
The first space espresso machine, which was provided by the well-known coffee maker, Lavazza, is meant to provide a little bit of home for Cristoretti, as well as the other astronauts on the ISS. It has been dubbed the “ISSpresso” coffee machine, and will permit all future visitors to enjoy a nice hot cup of coffee as they conduct various experiments and take on other duties at the ISS.
SpaceX Dragon Capsule Returns May 21
The SpaceX Dragon capsule is scheduled to stay with the ISS until May 21st, when it will bring back experiments and other finished items to Earth, as it is the only method of viable cargo transport to and from the space station.
In the meantime, SpaceX has also been busy with other projects. In an effort to save money, for example, the company has recently attempted to land one of their first stage booster rockets on a drone ocean platform; the goal of the mission is to eventually allow the reuse of future rockets, since they cost millions of dollars each to manufacture.
Although most people cannot travel to space yet, one day commercial space flight will be viable to all. Until then, we can still experience what it feels like to fly:
