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Space & Astronomy

What does space smell like?

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

Image Credit: NASA
Here on Earth we are subjected to a wide range of smells on a daily basis, but what about in space ?
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."
Astronauts who have gone on space walks consistently speak of space's extraordinarily peculiar odor. They can't smell it while they're actually bobbing in it, because the interiors of their space suits just smell plastic-y. But upon stepping back into the space station and removing their helmets, they get a strong, distinctive whiff of the final frontier.


Source: Space.com | Comments (67)




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Comment icon #58 Posted by Eldorado 12 years ago
The moon also leaves a distinctive smell due to the massive amounts of lunar dust that gets everywhere. Which many astronauts have talked about. Am sure I heard Buzz say it smelled like bourbon. He was drunk, though so I'd take that with a pinch of moondust.
Comment icon #59 Posted by Junior Chubb 12 years ago
Am sure I heard Buzz say it smelled like bourbon. He was drunk, though so I'd take that with a pinch of moondust. The biscuits or the drink?
Comment icon #60 Posted by Eldorado 12 years ago
The biscuits or the drink? Having seen and heard Buzz talk it was probably both, intravenously.
Comment icon #61 Posted by Karlis 12 years ago
Having seen and heard Buzz talk it was probably both, intravenously. I have a great deal of respect for Buzz Aldrin's personal battle in overcoming his demons. He overcome what many fail to overcome.CLEAN AND SOBER: Today you can order a "Buzz Aldrin" at most bars but the real deal is alcohol free living a full life happy joyous and free. Buzz is now a recovering alcoholic, 29 years sober and a proud member of a certain 12 step program. In fact, Buzz knows what worked for him and champions recovery programs for alcoholics. Buzz stated "I think recovery organisations are essential. I still part... [More]
Comment icon #62 Posted by Eldorado 12 years ago
I have a great deal of respect for Buzz Aldrin's personal battle in overcoming his demons. He overcome what many fail to overcome. Likewise. A real and proper hero. But I believe I know a madman when I hear one speak. Only my opinion of course, but Buzz is nuts. Alcohol & Brain Damage: "Recent investigations indicate that alcoholic brain damage is much more common than previously suspected. More information is required about its natural history and the characteristics of individuals most likely to suffer damage." http://het.sagepub.c...t/7/5/455.short People who have been drinking large am... [More]
Comment icon #63 Posted by Lilly 12 years ago
Space, the final frontier...*sniff* *sniff*.
Comment icon #64 Posted by Karlis 12 years ago
Space, the final frontier...*sniff* *sniff*. Perhaps the mind may be the real final frontier?
Comment icon #65 Posted by DieChecker 12 years ago
Also seems like theres a lot of arguing over what is essentially semantics. There always is. This is a discussion forum on the internet isn't it? But there isn't anything to stop any potential odors/particles out there from clinging to the suits. Which we would be perfectly capable of smelling once brought into an environment where we can breath. Naturally that has to correct. But the nature of the particles I think, is what is in quesion. Are they intersteller particles, or were they brought up by the astronauts? I vote that they came with the astronauts. Since space has so few particles in i... [More]
Comment icon #66 Posted by 232 12 years ago
I had not heard that before. Do you mean like a nebular cloud? A galactic dust cloud? Only related article I could find on it right now, http://news.discovery.com/space/space-cloud-galaxy-solar-system-120201.html
Comment icon #67 Posted by DieChecker 12 years ago
Only related article I could find on it right now, http://news.discover...tem-120201.html Interesting, you learn something every day.


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