The First Espresso Machine in Space

For years, astronauts—especially those from coffee-loving countries—have dreamed of enjoying a proper cup of espresso while orbiting Earth. Drinking coffee in space isn’t just about taste; it’s about comfort, routine, and a small piece of home. But making espresso in zero gravity presents huge technical challenges, from controlling pressure to handling hot liquids without gravity’s help. So how did engineers solve it? The answer is a specially built machine that made its debut aboard the International Space Station in 2014.

The first functioning espresso machine in space is called ISSpresso, weighing 44 pounds. It was developed through a collaboration between Italian aerospace food company Argotec, Italian coffee brand Lavazza, and the Italian Space Agency. It launched in November 2014 alongside Samantha Cristoforetti, Italy’s first female astronaut.

What Is ISSpresso and Why Was It Needed?

ISSpresso isn’t your average home or café espresso machine. Traditional espresso machines rely on gravity to move water through coffee grounds and into a cup. In the microgravity environment of the ISS, that system simply doesn’t work. Liquids don’t pour or settle the way they do on Earth, and pressurized hot water poses serious safety risks if not properly contained.

To address these issues, ISSpresso was completely redesigned. Its core function is still to produce a real espresso shot by forcing nearly boiling water through finely-ground coffee under high pressure—but it does so in a way that’s safe and functional in space.

How Does ISSpresso Work in Zero Gravity?

ISSpresso uses a steel structure instead of plastic, increasing its weight to around 44 pounds (approximately 20 kilograms). This choice wasn’t accidental: metal handles pressure better and is more durable in the closed environment of a spacecraft. The machine brews espresso by pumping water through coffee packed in a capsule, similar to commercial pod systems, but built to withstand extreme conditions.

Once brewed, the espresso doesn’t pour into a cup. Instead, it’s collected inside a sealed pouch. Astronauts then drink it through a straw. This method ensures that hot liquids stay contained and don’t float away or create spills that are difficult to manage in microgravity.

Key Technical Challenges and Solutions

According to domestic coffee machine manufacturers like AAA Coffee Machine, the main hurdle for bringing a coffee machine to space has always been controlling internal pressure. On Earth, pressure is managed relatively easily due to gravity and atmospheric conditions. In space, even small pressure fluctuations can cause major issues.

To solve this, ISSpresso’s developers replaced many plastic components with steel to handle higher pressures and ensure durability. The machine also had to be compact and easy to operate by astronauts wearing gloves, adding further design constraints. Despite these innovations, the drinking method—using pouches and straws—remains a significant difference from how we enjoy espresso on Earth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ISSpresso?

ISSpresso is the first espresso machine designed to function in the microgravity of the International Space Station. Developed by Argotec, Lavazza, and the Italian Space Agency, it uses a pressurized system to brew espresso using capsules, with the coffee collected in a sealed pouch for drinking through a straw.

How much does ISSpresso weigh?

ISSpresso weighs approximately 44 pounds (about 20 kilograms), which is significantly heavier than a standard espresso machine due to its reinforced steel construction needed for space conditions.

Why couldn’t regular espresso machines be used in space?

Regular espresso machines rely on gravity to move water through coffee grounds and into a cup. In microgravity, liquids don’t flow or settle in the same way, and managing pressurized hot water becomes a safety hazard. ISSpresso was specifically engineered to handle these challenges.

How do astronauts drink espresso in space?

Astronauts don’t drink espresso from a cup. The machine brews the espresso into a sealed plastic pouch, and they drink it through a straw. This prevents liquids from floating away or spilling in the zero-gravity environment.

What companies were involved in making ISSpresso?

ISSpresso was developed through a partnership between Argotec (an Italian aerospace food company), Lavazza (a leading Italian coffee brand), and the Italian Space Agency. They collaborated to adapt espresso brewing technology for use on the ISS.

What material is ISSpresso made from?

ISSpresso is constructed with steel instead of plastic to better handle the pressure and temperature changes in space. The switch to steel also adds durability and safety for long-term use aboard the ISS.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee for Space-Themed Brews

If you’re imagining what coffee might taste like in orbit, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera for its bright citrus and floral notes, or their Yirgacheffe for juicy berry and light spice—both single origins that highlight clarity, much like the precision behind ISSpresso. For something richer, their Classic Blend offers chocolate and nutty balance, akin to the comfort of a terrestrial espresso. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.