There is a $150 billion superstructure that was forced to make a huge change following one singular complaint.
After the first module of the International Space Station (ISS) was launched back in 1998, it officially began its operations on November 2, 2000.
Since then, there has never been a time where the space station wasn’t being inhabited by humans as crews have arrived and departed over the years to continue their research at the outpost.
But even astronauts rely on their home comforts to get them through their missions, which is why one important addition was added to the ISS in 2015.
Advert
Known as the ISSpresso, astronauts aboard the station can enjoy a cup of joe from what is purported to be the most advanced coffee machine ever created.
In an explanation on its website on how to use the machine, NASA explained: “In order to utilize the ISSpresso, a NASA standard drink bag is installed, along with a capsule containing the beverage item that the crew member wishes to drink. After the item has been brewed, the used capsule and the drink bag are removed.”
As reported by the Guardian, one of the reasons the coffee machine was introduced to the ISS was due to one Italian astronaut, Luca Parmitano, who made a complaint about the quality of the coffee available.
Many people took to social media to share their reactions to the extraterrestrial coffee machine, with one user writing on Reddit: “Leave it to the Italians to want to test a space espresso.”
Another said: “I love that it was the Italian Space Agency that developed it. Some things are just right with the world.”
A third person commented: “History in the making right here. Eventually many more humans will be living and working in space, especially if we start colonizing mars or the moon. This will lead to an increased need for coffee (and espresso) machines that can be operated in zero gravity. Argotec and Lavazza have just capitalized on this market, even though there's not really a market for it right now. There will eventually be one for sure.”
And a fourth added: "Where can I apply for the job of space barista?”
After over 25 years of operation, NASA has plans to deorbit the ISS by the end of 2030.
The plan is for the station to have a controlled deorbit and crash into the most remote point on the planet - Point Nemo in the Pacific Ocean.