Italian Espresso Travels to Space with New 3D Printed Cup

Astronauts may be getting their espresso fix in space. Scientists have designed a new cup that can defy the low-gravity environment encountered aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

Currently, Italy is preparing to send an espresso machine to the ISS; but with low gravity, an espresso machine would be more of a disaster than a help. That's why scientists crafted a special cup to allow astronauts to drink in space in a manner similar to the one experienced on Earth. Instead of relying on the forces of gravity, though, the researchers rely on the forces of surface tension.

Espresso itself is characterized by a complex low-density colloid of emulsified oils. Due to gravity, these oils rise to the surface to form a foam lid called the "crema." While this may not be possible on the spacecraft, the scientists searched for alternatives, which eventually led to the design of a special 3D printable "espresso space cup."

"The shape of the container can passively migrate fluid to desired locations without moving parts-using passive forces of wetting and surface tension," said Mark Weislogel, one of the researchers, in a news release. "Its geometry is the 'smart' part, which operate the fluids-control system without requiring pumps or centrifugal forces."

Although the researchers focused on an espresso cup, the findings have a much wider reach beyond this beverage.

"We're striving to use our methods to reassess all fluid systems aboard spacecraft-including cooling systems, fuel tanks, water processing equipment for life support, plant and animal habitats, medical fluids, foods, etc.," said Weislogel. "The era of the ISS is the perfect time to develop and demonstrate these tools as we continue to explore our solar system."

That said, the findings are also useful to astronauts who just want to enjoy a cup of espresso.

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