ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot released a video titled “Smells in space, part 1” describing the various odors experienced aboard the International Space Station [1].

The project provides the public with a sensory perspective of life in microgravity, bridging the gap between complex orbital science and human experience. By documenting these smells, the European Space Agency offers a rare glimpse into the daily environmental conditions of long-term space habitation.

Adenot recorded the segment on mission day 149 [2] during orbit 2,306 [3]. The video, which serves as the 12th episode of a series [4], takes place on a Sunday morning. The astronaut uses the themed tour to explain how different areas of the station produce distinct scents and how those odors interact within the closed life-support systems of the facility.

At the time of the recording, seven crew members were aboard the station [5]. The presence of a diverse crew contributes to the complex olfactory environment, as human activity and equipment maintenance constantly alter the air quality. The video highlights the specific smells associated with the metallic and chemical nature of the station's interior.

This sensory exploration is part of a broader effort to share scientific insights about the ISS. Adenot's tour focuses on the chemistry of space-related odors, which often differ from those found on Earth due to the lack of natural ventilation, and the reliance on recycled air. The series aims to make the technical realities of orbital living more accessible to a global audience through a relatable human sense.

“Sophie Adenot released a video titled “Smells in space, part 1” describing the various odors experienced aboard the International Space Station.”

Documenting the olfactory environment of the ISS is more than a curiosity; it provides data on how volatile organic compounds behave in closed-loop life support systems. Understanding these smells can help engineers improve air filtration and help future astronauts adapt to the sensory challenges of deep-space missions where recycled air is the only option.