A newly designed cup, which can defy the low-gravity environments encountered aboard the International Space Station (ISS), will allow astronauts to enjoy espresso coffee in space.
Italy has been preparing to send an espresso machine to the ISS and so they also crafted a special cup.
Espresso is distinguished primarily by a complex low-density colloid of emulsified oils. And, due to gravity, these oils rise to the surface to form a foam lid called the "crema," the reliable production of which can make or break the reputations of baristas everywhere.
This quest for alternatives led to the design of the special 3-D printable "espresso space cup," which thankfully "fell from math."
The rsearch also has a much wider reach beyond espresso.
Mark Weislogel, a professor in the Thermal and Fluid Sciences Group at Portland State University, said that they are striving to use their new methods to reassess all fluid systems aboard spacecraft including cooling systems, fuel tanks, water processing equipment for life support, plant and animal habitats, medical fluids, foods, etc.