First Coffee Machine in Space: How ISSpresso Works

Imagine floating in the International Space Station, looking down at Earth, and craving a real espresso. For years, astronauts—especially those from coffee-loving countries—could only fantasize about brewing or drinking a proper shot of espresso in orbit. That all changed thanks to a very special machine designed to function where no coffee machine had gone before.

The answer is ISSpresso: the first ever espresso machine able to operate in microgravity, developed through a collaboration between Italian aerospace firm Argotec, coffee brand Lavazza, and the Italian Space Agency. Weighing 44 pounds, it was first sent to the ISS in November alongside Samantha Cristoforetti, Italy’s first female astronaut.

What Is ISSpresso and Why Was It Developed?

ISSpresso is a modified espresso machine built specifically to work in the zero-gravity environment of the International Space Station. Regular espresso machines rely on gravity and atmospheric pressure to function properly, especially for tasks like forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee and handling the resulting pressure during extraction. In space, those systems fail without major redesign.

The project came about through a partnership between three key entities: Argotec, an Italian company specializing in space food technology; Lavazza, one of Italy’s foremost coffee roasters; and the Italian Space Agency. Their goal was simple in concept but extremely complex in execution: to allow astronauts to enjoy authentic espresso while in orbit.

How Does ISSpresso Make Espresso in Zero Gravity?

Unlike a standard espresso machine, ISSpresso doesn’t rely on a traditional portafilter and group head setup where brewed coffee flows directly into a cup. Instead, the machine uses a steel brewing system capable of withstanding the intense pressure created during espresso extraction—approximately 9 bars of pressure, just like a commercial espresso machine on Earth.

During the brewing process, the extracted espresso is not poured into an open cup but is instead collected inside a sealed, transparent plastic pouch. This design prevents liquids from floating away in microgravity and eliminates the risk of hot coffee droplets drifting into sensitive equipment or the astronauts’ eyes.

The sealed pouch is then fitted with a straw, allowing the astronaut to drink the espresso directly from the bag using a specialized straw. This method ensures that the liquid remains contained and that the crew can safely enjoy a hot beverage.

Why Couldn’t Regular Coffee Machines Go to Space Before ISSpresso?

According to experts at AAA Coffee Machine Manufacturers in China, the main barrier preventing traditional coffee machines from being used in space has always been pressure control. On Earth, gravity helps manage liquid flow and waste, and air pressure assists in brewing. In microgravity, those systems break down.

To solve this, the materials and internal structure of ISSpresso had to be radically altered. Initial prototypes used plastic components, but these were eventually replaced with steel to handle the high-pressure environment. This material change increased the machine’s weight to 44 pounds, a necessary trade-off for durability and safety.

Even with these modifications, the way astronauts consume coffee remains fundamentally different. There are no cups, no pouring, and no crema floating on top in the traditional sense. Instead, the brewed espresso is sealed in a pouch and sipped through a straw, a far cry from the café experience on Earth—but a breakthrough nonetheless.

Who Was the First Astronaut to Use ISSpresso?

The first Italian woman in space, Samantha Cristoforetti, brought ISSpresso to the International Space Station in November. As part of her mission, she became the first astronaut to use the machine to brew and drink espresso in orbit. Her presence and participation highlighted both the Italian contribution to space food technology and the cultural importance of coffee, even in space.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ISSpresso?

ISSpresso is the first espresso machine designed to operate in the microgravity of the International Space Station. It was developed by Argotec, Lavazza, and the Italian Space Agency to allow astronauts to make and drink espresso in space.

How does espresso brewing work in zero gravity?

Instead of flowing into a cup, the espresso is extracted into a sealed plastic pouch using the same 9-bar pressure as on Earth. The pouch prevents liquid from escaping into the station’s zero-gravity environment.

Why is ISSpresso made of steel instead of plastic?

Steel was chosen to better handle the high internal pressures required for espresso extraction. Early plastic versions couldn’t maintain structural integrity, so the machine was redesigned with a heavier, more durable steel construction.

How much does ISSpresso weigh?

ISSpresso weighs 44 pounds, significantly more than a typical home or commercial espresso machine, due to its reinforced steel components built for the space environment.

Who was the first astronaut to use it?

Samantha Cristoforetti, Italy’s first female astronaut, was the first to use ISSpresso aboard the ISS in November. She brewed and drank the first espresso in space using the machine.

Do astronauts drink from a cup?

No. The espresso is sealed in a pouch and consumed through a straw to prevent spills or floating liquid in microgravity.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee for Space-Themed Brewing

While you can’t brew espresso in space (yet), you can bring some Italian-inspired flair to your brew at home. Try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera for its bright citrus and floral notes—perfect for imagining orbital heights. Or go deeper with their PWN Golden Mandheling, offering full-bodied sweetness with hints of caramel and molasses. Both single origins highlight the kind of quality Lavazza brought to the ISS. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.