The question of “What does space smell like?” has intrigued many for years and has been discussed with various astronaut testimonies. Recently, two astronauts who have been stranded on the International Space Station (ISS) for an extended period shared their updated insights on this topic. Here are the details…
Space Has a Distinctly Sharp and Pungent Smell!
Two American astronauts, Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore, who have unexpectedly spent an extended period on the ISS, have shared intriguing details about the mysterious world of space. Their return, originally scheduled for 2025 due to safety concerns with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft, has been delayed. Currently, they live with a crew of nine in an area the size of a six-bedroom house.
According to the astronauts, space has a unique smell. Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield describes the scent experienced during a spacewalk as “alerting and otherworldly.” British astronaut Helen Sharman notes that there is a predominant smell in space, which they quickly became accustomed to.
The first civilian spacewalk in history was successfully completed within the scope of the Polaris Dawn mission under the control of SpaceX.
The source of this intriguing space odor is the intense radiation in space. According to Sharman, radiation creates free radicals on the surface of objects that venture outside, such as space suits or scientific equipment. These radicals react with the oxygen inside the station, producing a metallic and sulfur-like dust scent.
The astronauts admit that they now place greater value on sensory experiences when they return to Earth. Sharman says, “There is no weather in space—you don’t feel rain on your face or wind in your hair, and you only smell one thing. I now value these experiences much more!”
Life on the ISS tests the astronauts’ adaptation skills. Their daily routine involves scientific experiments, exercise, and personal care. Astronauts who went on an 8-day mission have now been stranded for a full 8 months. If all goes well, they are expected to return to Earth on September 25.
