The International Space Station is getting a brand new perk. Literally. (Via NASA)
"Guess what it's going to get. Its first coffee machine! How the heck did they go this long without that morning java?" (Via Fox News)
NBC reports the capsule-based espresso machine, creatively dubbed the ISSpresso, will finally give astronauts a better alternative to the instant coffee they've been drinking on board the space station for the past 13 years.
The vice president of Lavazza, the coffee retailer that helped create the ISSpresso, said in a statement, "We have been thinking about taking espresso into space for some time. Today we are in a position to overcome the limits of weightlessness and enjoy a good espresso... on board the International Space Station."
The first prototype of the ISSpresso was actually built last year, and the current model is reportedly undergoing some rigorous testing to make sure it's ready for space travel.
The cosmic coffee machine apparently contains so many backup and safety systems, it actually weighs around 44 pounds! Talk about a heavy brew. (Via Lavazza)
The ISSpresso should be ready to go just in time for the November launch of European Space Agency astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti. She'll be the first Italian woman to go to space.
And she seems pretty pumped to enjoy a real Italian espresso while in orbit.
Christoforetti said on Twitter, "How cool is that? I'll get to operate the first space espresso machine!"
According to Digital Trends, the machine will be placed in a new "corner cafe" on the ISS, which is apparently a designated place for socializing while on board.
Perhaps Starbucks will be opening a branch in space sometime soon? We can only hope.
