lavazza and argotec send italian coffee into space with ISSpresso capsule machine

lavazza and argotec send italian coffee into orbit with ISSpresso
image courtesy lavazzi © thierry le goues

engineering company argotec and coffee brand lavazza have worked together with the italian space agency (ISA) to bring the authentic italian espresso onto the international space station. known as the ISSpresso, the capsule-based espresso system has been designed to work in the extreme conditions of zero-gravity in space, delivering a perfect espresso in a weightless environment.

the ISSpreso is capable of handling liquids at high pressure and high temperatures; the plastic tube carrying the water inside a normal espresso machine has been replaced with a special steel tube designed to withstand pressure of more than 400 bar. the machine is so complex, that it weighs about 20 kilograms. the espresso system features all the critical back-up components required and meets all specifications agreed upon with the italian space agency.

the ISSpresso space coffee machine measures 43 x 42 x 36 cm

prototype of the ISSpresso dispenses freshly brewed italian espresso