You have to feel for the poor astronauts on the International Space Station, who must forgo their morning cup of coffee due to the lack of a mug. Coffee is drunk from a bag with the use of a straw, and as well as losing the lovely smell, it is hardly classed as an enjoyable drink.
This could all change however as there is a cup that allows fresh coffee to be brewed. Kjell Lindgren, one of the astronauts, showed off the new cup that has been designed by Drew Wollman of Portland State University and Mark Weislogel an IRPI scientist. Wollman said that they were keen to keep the promise they made to try and design such a cup.
The bottom of the cup is modified and the drink is made in the same way it is made from a coffee machine. Lindgren tried a system of his own while he waited for the cup as he does enjoy coffee, but he was not successful. Water into the pods directly and then into the cup was not the answer. By using the cup, the liquids stay in place and the smell comes through, and now espresso can be brewed as well. Lindgren only just managed his drink in space as the first attempts to send a cup failed as one was destroyed and the other arrived 6 hours before he left.
Photos: Kjell Lindgren / Drew Wollman
