How Astronauts Brew Espresso in Space

Ever wondered how astronauts make a proper cup of coffee in space? With no gravity to pull the water down, brewing a simple shot of espresso — let alone drinking it — becomes a complex engineering challenge. For years, this was one of the many small daily comforts missing from life aboard the International Space Station. But thanks to a unique collaboration, astronauts can now enjoy a real espresso, even 400 kilometers above Earth.

The solution is a specially-designed espresso machine called ISSpresso, built to function reliably in microgravity. Weighing around 44 pounds (20 kilograms), it made its way to the ISS in November, alongside Samantha Cristoforetti, Italy’s first female astronaut.

What Is the ISSpresso Machine?

ISSpresso is not your typical home espresso machine. Developed through a partnership between Italian aerospace food company Argotec, Italian coffee brand Lavazza, and the Italian Space Agency, it is the first coffee machine engineered specifically for use in space. Its primary function: to brew authentic espresso in a zero-gravity environment. The machine replaced many plastic components with steel to handle the intense internal pressure required for espresso extraction, increasing its weight significantly compared to standard machines.

Why Can’t Regular Coffee Machines Work in Space?

On Earth, gravity helps pull brewed coffee down into your cup. In microgravity, liquids float as blobs and don’t naturally flow downward. Traditional coffee makers rely on gravity to move water and collect brewed coffee, making them unusable in orbit. Managing high-pressure hot water and preventing fluid leaks or floating blobs is a serious engineering hurdle. The ISSpresso machine solves this by containing the entire brewing and drinking process inside a closed system.

How Do Astronauts Actually Drink Espresso in Space?

Coffee brewed in the ISSpresso isn’t served in a cup. Instead, it’s extracted directly into a sealed plastic pouch. Astronauts drink the espresso through a straw attached to the pouch. This closed system prevents liquid from escaping into the cabin, where it could float around and damage equipment or create safety hazards. While functional, this method is a far cry from sipping from a ceramic cup — something astronauts and engineers hope to improve in future designs.

Behind the Development: Pressure, Material, and Safety

One of the major engineering challenges was controlling internal pressure. Initial concepts failed due to the inability to manage the high pressures needed for espresso extraction in space. Through multiple design iterations, developers switched critical components from plastic to steel to handle the stress. This material change added considerable weight — about 44 pounds total — but was essential for durability and safety. The final machine passed rigorous testing to ensure it could withstand the unique conditions of orbital flight.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ISSpresso machine?

The ISSpresso is a specially designed espresso machine created for use aboard the International Space Station. Built by Argotec, Lavazza, and the Italian Space Agency, it can brew espresso in zero gravity using a pressurized, sealed system to manage extraction and fluid control.

How much does the ISSpresso weigh?

The ISSpresso machine weighs approximately 44 pounds (20 kilograms), significantly heavier than a typical home espresso machine due to its steel construction and reinforced components.

When did the ISSpresso arrive at the ISS?

The ISSpresso machine was delivered to the International Space Station in November, along with Italian astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti, who became the first Italian woman in space.

How do astronauts drink espresso in space?

Astronauts don’t drink espresso from a cup. The coffee is brewed into a sealed plastic pouch, and they sip it through a straw. This prevents liquids from floating freely inside the spacecraft.

Why can’t astronauts use a normal coffee machine in space?

Normal coffee machines rely on gravity to function. In microgravity, water and coffee don’t flow properly, and managing pressurized hot water becomes dangerous. The ISSpresso is built to handle these challenges in a closed, pressurized system.

What materials were changed in the ISSpresso design?

Early prototypes used plastic parts, but these were replaced with steel to better withstand the high internal pressures needed for espresso extraction and to improve safety and durability in space.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffees for Space-Themed Brewing

If you’re imagining how espresso tastes in orbit, try these FrontStreet offerings on Earth: their Ethiopia Yirgacheffe offers bright citrus and floral tones, ideal for appreciating clarity in a cup, while the Guatemala Antigua brings deep chocolate and spice — similar to Lavazza’s classic blend profile. For a fuller body experience akin to what astronauts might miss, the Colombia Huila provides nutty sweetness and a round mouthfeel. All three are single origins expertly roasted, perfect for sipping slowly like an astronaut would savor their pouch espresso. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.