How do astronauts get their caffeine fix in space? Like most zero gravity maneuvers, the process is more complicated than you might think. In this video, British astronaut Tim Peake walks viewers through the steps of brewing and drinking a "cup" of coffee aboard the International Space Station. Peake begins by retrieving a silver pouch labeled "Coffee w/ Cream & Sugar Substitute" from the European Space Agency food rations. He then attaches the pouch to a device and — not unlike a gas station mocha machine — hits the "Dispense Hot" button, filling the packet with hot water. A special straw is attached to prevent liquid from escaping the container.
Space station coffee options got a boost last year. After an Italian astronaut complained about the quality of coffee on the space station, manufacturer Lavazza, engineering company Argotec and the Italian Space Agency teamed up to design a new espresso dispensing device called the Isspresso. After some delays, the machine made its maiden voyage last May with Italian astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti taking the first sip. Meanwhile, Russion cosmonauts are patiently awaiting the next innovation in space food: Burger King Whoppers served in tubes.
