What does space smell like?

Who would have thought space smelled? Distinct and unique. NASA hired an aroma chemist to recreate the scent of space. Astronauts are blunt. Space stinks! Because of this particular, unpleasant odor, NASA wants to acclimate its extraterrestrial fliers (and their noses) to what awaits them in space. Steak, metal, gunpowder Some say space smells like burnt steak, hot metal, gunpowder, or welding fumes. However, since few have ever been to space and inhaled this scent, it will be difficult to pinpoint the exact odor. NASA enlisted the help of London chemist Steve Pearce and hopes the recreated scent will aid in training future astronauts. The Smell of the Mir Space Station Pearce had already encountered the smells of space, even though he hadn't walked there himself. He recreated the scent of the Mir space station—a mix of sweaty feet and stale flesh, the smell of nail polish remover and gasoline. Plus, of course, a hint of vodka—after all, Russian astronauts had been stationed there. Pearce himself described the end result as disgusting. Recreate the scent of space However, replicating what astronauts inhale once they step outside the station seems a bit more challenging. A strong starting point for recreating the likely sulfurous smell of space could be ethyl formate (the same compound that gives raspberries their flavor). It has been discovered in space dust particles.