Italian Astronaut Brews First Espresso in Space

When Italian astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti sipped her espresso aboard the International Space Station, she wasn’t just enjoying a drink—she was making history. Captured near the station’s cupola with Earth glowing outside, Cristoforetti became the first person to brew and drink authentic espresso in orbit, using a custom-built zero-gravity coffee machine. The moment, shared in a NASA photo and her own social media post, marked a small but significant leap for space comfort: real Italian-style coffee, finally, in space.

The answer is clear: the first cup of espresso brewed and consumed in orbit was made possible by a specialized zero-gravity coffee machine, delivered to the ISS in April, and used Lavazza’s 120-year-old espresso recipe. Cristoforetti, who has since returned to Earth after six months in orbit, was the first to operate it.

The First Cup of Espresso in Orbit

On Sunday, NASA released an image showing Samantha Cristoforetti retrieving a cup of coffee from a zero-gravity coffee machine inside the ISS. The photo, taken near the station’s observation dome, captured the Italian astronaut enjoying the first-ever cup of espresso brewed in space. Dressed in a Star Trek uniform to mark Star Wars Day on May 4, Cristoforetti shared the image on Twitter without commentary—but with a wide smile and a thumbs-up. She is now completing her six-month mission and is set to return to Earth soon.

The Machine Behind the Brew

The coffee machine, developed by the Italian Space Agency, was designed specifically to function in the microgravity environment of the ISS. It uses the same brewing principles as a standard espresso machine but has been adapted to work without gravity. The machine employs coffee capsules—not loose coffee grounds—for a more compact and manageable setup in space. The espresso recipe itself comes from Lavazza, an Italian coffee company with over 120 years of expertise, ensuring the taste remains authentically Italian. The machine’s arrival was delayed; it was originally scheduled for delivery in January but only reached the ISS in April due to a cargo spacecraft issue.

Why This Matters for Space Coffee

Prior to this, NASA had experimented with instant coffee on the ISS, but astronauts universally agreed it didn’t compare to freshly brewed espresso. The new zero-gravity machine changes that, offering a taste of home and a boost to morale. The compact design of the capsule-based system makes it practical for space use, where every cubic centimeter counts. The machine’s ability to produce a proper espresso—complete with crema, despite the lack of gravity—demonstrates how far space culinary technology has come.

What’s Next for Orbital Coffee

SpaceX cargo missions have delivered a supply of coffee capsules for the ISS, and additional capsules can be sent on future flights if needed. This means astronauts will continue to enjoy authentic Italian espresso during their missions. The success of this machine could pave the way for other specialty beverages in space, further improving the quality of life for those living and working aboard the ISS.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was the first astronaut to drink espresso in space?

Samantha Cristoforetti, an Italian astronaut, became the first person to brew and drink espresso in space. She used a specially designed zero-gravity coffee machine aboard the International Space Station and shared the moment in a NASA photo and on her Twitter account.

When was the first espresso brewed in space?

The first espresso in space was brewed in April 2024, when the zero-gravity coffee machine developed by the Italian Space Agency finally arrived at the ISS. Astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti used it shortly after its arrival.

How does a zero-gravity coffee machine work?

The zero-gravity coffee machine is adapted to function in the microgravity environment of the ISS. It uses coffee capsules instead of loose coffee grounds and employs the same basic brewing principles as a standard espresso machine, but with modifications to handle the lack of gravity.

What kind of coffee is used in the space espresso machine?

The space espresso machine uses a recipe provided by Lavazza, an Italian coffee company with over 120 years of experience. The coffee is brewed from capsules, ensuring a consistent and authentic Italian espresso taste in orbit.

Will astronauts continue to have espresso in space?

Yes, SpaceX cargo missions have already delivered a supply of coffee capsules to the ISS, and more can be sent on future flights. This ensures astronauts will have access to espresso throughout their missions.

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