First Espresso Machine Heads to the International Space Station

Imagine sipping your morning espresso—rich, dark, and crema-topped—while floating 400 kilometers above Earth. For astronauts aboard the International Space Station, that moment is about to become a reality. But making coffee in space isn’t as simple as pushing a button on your home machine. How do you brew espresso when there’s no gravity to keep the water in the cup? The answer is ISSpresso, the first-ever espresso machine designed for use in orbit.

Yes, by November 2014, the International Space Station will host its first functioning espresso machine: ISSpresso. Weighing 20 kilograms (44 pounds), it will allow astronauts to make real espresso, tea, and even soup, using specially sealed capsules. The machine launches with Italian astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti, who will be the first person to drink coffee in space.

What Is ISSpresso?

ISSpresso is no ordinary coffee machine. Developed jointly by the Italian Space Agency and the Italian coffee company Argotec, it’s built specifically to function in the microgravity environment of the ISS. While a typical espresso machine relies on plastic tubing to move water, ISSpresso uses high-pressure steel piping to prevent leaks in zero gravity. It doesn’t grind beans onboard; instead, it uses pre-packaged capsules to produce espresso, tea, and other hot beverages—including rehydratable foods.

How Does Coffee Work in Zero Gravity?

On Earth, gravity pulls liquid into your cup and keeps it there. In space, liquids float around unless contained. That’s why astronauts can’t just pour coffee into a mug and sip it like normal. Instead, the espresso made by ISSpresso is sealed inside a plastic pouch. Astronauts drink it through a straw. This setup ensures the liquid stays put and doesn’t create floating blobs of hot coffee that could drift into equipment—or an astronaut’s face.

Why This Machine Matters

Beyond the obvious caffeine boost, ISSpresso represents a big step in making life aboard the ISS feel more like home. The psychological benefits of familiar rituals—like drinking a proper espresso—are significant for astronauts spending months in isolation. The machine also showcases advanced engineering adapted for extreme environments. Its development required rethinking everything from fluid dynamics to materials science to ensure safe, reliable operation in space.

The project is also a point of national pride for Italy—it’s the first Italian woman astronaut, Samantha Cristoforetti, who will bring the machine to the ISS and become the first person to drink authentic espresso in orbit. She’ll launch aboard a Soyuz spacecraft in November 2014 along with the 20-kilogram machine.

ISSpresso Specs at a Glance

• Weight: 20 kg (44 lbs)
• Launch Date: November 2014
• First Astronaut User: Samantha Cristoforetti (Italy)
• Functionality: Espresso, tea, soup, and rehydrated foods
• Beverage Preparation: Uses sealed capsules, not bean grinding
• Key Feature: High-pressure steel tubing for zero-gravity safety
• Drink Delivery: Sealed pouches with straws

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ISSpresso?

ISSpresso is the first espresso machine designed for use in space. Developed by the Italian Space Agency and Argotec, it uses special high-pressure steel tubes and sealed capsules to brew espresso, tea, and soup in zero gravity.

When will the espresso machine arrive at the ISS?

The ISSpresso machine is scheduled to arrive at the International Space Station in November 2014.

Who will be the first astronaut to drink coffee in space?

Italian astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti will be the first person to drink espresso in space. She will take the ISSpresso machine to the ISS in November 2014.

How do astronauts drink coffee in zero gravity?

Astronauts drink coffee from ISSpresso through a sealed plastic pouch using a straw, because liquids don’t stay in cups without gravity.

Does ISSpresso grind coffee beans?

No, ISSpresso does not grind beans onboard. It uses pre-packaged capsules to make espresso, tea, and other beverages.

Why is ISSpresso important for space missions?

ISSpresso improves quality of life for astronauts by providing a familiar, comforting drink and demonstrating advanced engineering for zero-gravity environments.

Recommended FrontStreet Blends for Home Espresso

For those who want to recreate a rich, authentic espresso experience—just like the kind astronauts might dream of—try FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend. It’s crafted for espresso and milk drinks, producing a smooth, well-rounded shot with excellent crema. If you prefer something deeper and more intense, the Specialty Blend combines Brazilian and Colombian beans for a classic, bold flavor profile. Both are ideal for home machines and deliver the kind of crema and body you’d hope for—even if you’re not floating in space. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.