The Smell of Space: Mystery & Explanation

In summary, astronauts have reported a distinct smell in space, which they believe could be particles from their space suits or residue from the parts of the space station they were working on. The smell is so unusual that some astronauts have resorted to opening lemon cleaning wipes just to have something to smell. A chemist has attempted to recreate the smell and it is speculated that it could be a combination of ozone and other particles deposited on the suits.
  • #1
nuby
336
0
This is just weird, and probably has a good explanation.. But how can a space suit or space have a distinct smell? Could the smell be coming from particles off their space suits? If so, how/why?

http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/station/crew/exp6/spacechronicles4.html
 
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  • #2
What were they working on outside? It could be whatever residue might be on the parts of the space station they were working on that rubbed off on their suits.
 
  • #3
Probbaly plasticisors and cleaning residue outgassing from the suits.

The skylab astronauts mentioned one of the disorientating things was missing the smell of anything - the air cleaning system so efficently removed any chemical residue from the air.
They said they opened the lemon cleaning wipes that came with the food just to have something to smell.
 
  • #5
He said that it smelled similar to using an arc welder, so I would guess that it is probably the smell of ions and such deposited on the suit. Maybe some of that is ozone, but I would guess that a lot of it is lighter particles.
 

1. What is The Smell of Space?

The Smell of Space is a distinct odor that has been reported by astronauts after spacewalks and returning from space missions. It is described as a combination of pungent, metallic, and welding-like smells.

2. Where does The Smell of Space come from?

The exact origin of The Smell of Space is still a mystery. Some scientists believe it could be caused by the release of volatile compounds from space debris or the breakdown of atomic oxygen by high-energy radiation.

3. Can humans smell The Smell of Space on Earth?

No, humans cannot smell The Smell of Space on Earth as it requires the vacuum and extreme conditions of space to release the volatile compounds that create the odor. Astronauts can only smell it when they are in space.

4. Is The Smell of Space harmful to humans?

There is no evidence that suggests The Smell of Space is harmful to humans. It is a temporary and harmless odor that astronauts experience during their space missions. However, further research is needed to fully understand its composition and potential effects.

5. How can scientists study The Smell of Space?

Scientists can study The Smell of Space by collecting and analyzing samples of space debris brought back from missions, conducting experiments in space to recreate the conditions that produce the odor, and using advanced analytical techniques to identify the volatile compounds that make up the smell.

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