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We're imagining this is how the ISS astronauts reacted when they heard the news.
# ground control
Astronauts on the International Space Station are finally getting an espresso machine
The specially designed espresso machine will be able to serve hot, freshly brewed coffee while in zero gravity.
ASTRONAUTS WORKING IN the International Space Station will be getting better quality coffee in their workplace later this year.
The Italian Space Agency will be sending up the first espresso machine, designed specifically for operating in zero gravity, to the station in November.
Dubbed ISSpresso (geddit?), the machine will be made by the Italian espresso maker Lavazza so the quality will be better than the instant coffee that’s been brought up to the station in the past.
The engineering company Argotec, which is contracted with the European Space Agency to provides spacefood to the ISS, is also helping with the project.
The machine uses capsules to make the espresso, which Lavazza says helps to brew the drink in a zero gravity environment. The coffee is then served in a sealed pouch, allowing the astronauts to sip the coffee through a straw, but the machine will serve other hot drinks like tea if required.
The espresso machine is currently being tested at Argotec’s labs and will be brought up by Samantha Cristoforetti, who will become the first Italian woman in space.
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