Watch: Astronaut shows how they drink coffee in space using special cups

The Portland State University researchers devised a special cup that helps astronauts drink in space without the liquid floating in the air.

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When astronauts are out in the International Space Station (ISS), even the simplest tasks like sipping coffee become complicated, thanks to low gravity. Astronauts have to use straws and drinking bags in space as liquids just float in the air.

Recently, some astronauts began using a specially designed cup designed by researchers at Portland State University. The cup’s design, which has a sharp beaker-like tip, optimises capillary action. The capillary action allows the liquid to flow swiftly in a narrow pathway with little opposition to external forces like gravity.

On Sunday, European Space Agency astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti demonstrated this cup’s unique design and abilities in a video.

How do you like your coffee?☕️

Our astronaut @AstroSamantha demonstrates how she has her morning coffee in space! #InternationalCoffeeDay pic.twitter.com/UKA1Hy0EWW

— European Space Agency (@esa) October 1, 2023

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The video, posted on X by the European Space Agency, shows Cristoforetti pouring coffee from a liquid bag into a normal glass container. However, she is unable to sip this coffee as the liquid hangs in the air. And, with the specially designed space cup, she could drink the coffee normally.

Commenting on this video, an X user wrote, “It’s the little things that bring home the reality of a space-faring civilization.” Another person wrote, “If I’m not mistaken, she was the first person to drink coffee in space with the ISSpresso.”