3 May 2015

ISSpresso, one of the nine experiments on the Futura mission, was set up in the International

Just a few weeks before she's due back on Earth, Samantha Cristoforetti is still working hard on the nine research experiments in the Futura mission. At 2.45 pm Italian time today, AstroSamantha set up the ISSpresso - a multifunction capsule machine offering hot drinks, including real Italian espresso coffee, designed by Argotec and Lavazza in a public-private sector partnership with the Italian Space Agency.  
The experiment, which arrived on the ISS on board the Dragon rocket on 17 April, includes espresso or americano coffee cycles and a final system cleaning flush.  
ISSpresso is designed to serve numerous hot drinks and remain in use on the Station once approved as an onboard system.
The scientific goals focus mainly on improving our knowledge of the behaviour of fluids and mixtures in microgravity conditions, including experimental data on how the foam generated when preparing coffee forms. With its numerous technical and psychological benefits for the astronauts, the machine will be used for future, long-term space missions. The multifunction system is compatible with the ISS food-system, including the Potable Water Dispenser, opening up the possibility of rehydrating ISS food with other food substances, increasing the nutritional benefits for the astronauts.