Space & Astronomy

What does space smell like?

By T.K. Randall
July 22, 2012 ·  67 comments

Image Credit: NASA Many astronauts have commented on the smell of space, while they can't smell it during a spacewalk the distinct odor does become apparent once back in the space station as it can cling to spacesuits, helmets and other equipment. Descriptions of this smell seem to vary but it is often compared to the smell of seared steak, hot metal and welding fumes.

"It is hard to describe this smell; it is definitely not the olfactory equivalent to describing the palette sensations of some new food as 'tastes like chicken,'" said astronaut Don Pettit. "The best description I can come up with is metallic; a rather pleasant sweet metallic sensation."

Source: Space.com | Comments (67)

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