Italian Space Coffee Machine Delivers Espresso in Zero Gravity

When you picture life aboard the International Space Station, sipping a smooth shot of espresso probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. But thanks to advances in both coffee technology and aerospace engineering, astronauts may soon enjoy a proper Italian espresso — even in zero gravity.

Lavazza and Argotec, an Italian coffee company and space tech firm respectively, are sending a 20-kilogram espresso machine called ISSpresso to the ISS in November. It’s designed specifically to brew authentic espresso in the challenging conditions of outer space.

What Is the ISSpresso and Why Was It Developed?

The ISSpresso is a modified coffee machine built for use aboard the International Space Station. Developed through a partnership between Italian coffee roaster Lavazza and aerospace company Argotec, it is built to function in zero gravity. Unlike regular espresso machines that rely on plastic tubing, the ISSpresso uses high-pressure steel piping to prevent liquid leakage in the absence of gravity. This ensures that hot water and brewed coffee stay exactly where they’re meant to be — inside the machine and its containers.

How Does Brewing Espresso in Space Actually Work?

ISSpresso doesn’t grind beans onboard. Instead, it uses specially designed capsules to produce espresso, as well as other hot drinks like tea and soup. These capsules allow the machine to produce a range of beverages without the need for fresh coffee bean grinding — a complex process that would be difficult to manage in microgravity. Additionally, ISSpresso supports the rehydration of space food, adding functionality beyond just coffee brewing. The brewed coffee is expelled into a sealed plastic pouch, since liquids cannot be reliably contained in an open cup in zero gravity. Astronauts then drink from the pouch using a straw.

What Makes the Machine Safe and Functional in Zero Gravity?

To operate safely in space, the ISSpresso replaces typical plastic components found in terrestrial espresso machines with durable steel tubes capable of withstanding high pressure. This material change is critical because, in zero gravity, liquids don’t naturally settle or pour — they float. Without airtight, pressurised systems, hot coffee could end up escaping into the spacecraft, creating a serious hazard. The 20-kilogram machine has been engineered to meet the rigorous safety and operational standards required for deployment on the ISS, where every component must function flawlessly in a sealed, pressurised environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ISSpresso?

The ISSpresso is a 20-kilogram espresso machine developed by Italian companies Lavazza and Argotec. It is designed to brew espresso and other hot beverages in the zero-gravity environment of the International Space Station, using high-pressure steel tubing instead of plastic hoses to manage liquids safely.

When will the ISSpresso be sent to space?

The ISSpresso is scheduled to be sent to the International Space Station in November, where it will be used by astronauts aboard the orbiting laboratory.

Does the ISSpresso grind coffee beans?

No, the ISSpresso does not have a built-in grinder. It uses pre-packaged capsules to brew espresso, tea, and soup, avoiding the complexities of grinding beans in microgravity.

How do astronauts drink coffee from the ISSpresso?

Coffee is dispensed into a sealed plastic pouch, and astronauts drink it through a straw. In zero gravity, liquids don’t stay in a cup, so traditional drinking methods aren’t practical.

Why was a special coffee machine needed for space?

Regular espresso machines rely on gravity and plastic tubing, both of which fail in space. The ISSpresso uses steel tubing and a pressurised system to handle liquids in zero gravity, ensuring safety and functionality.

What other drinks can the ISSpresso make?

Besides espresso, the machine can also prepare tea, soup, and rehydrate space food, offering multiple beverage options for astronauts.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Space-Themed Espresso

While no coffee will actually be roasted in orbit just yet, you can still enjoy espresso blends inspired by Italian tradition here on Earth. Try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Huakui for bright citrus and floral notes, or their Yirgacheffe for juicy berry and stone fruit. Both shine as single-origin espressos and capture the essence of what makes Italian espresso so beloved. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.