Dawn
Active member
Astronauts often describe the smell they encounter after a spacewalk as metallic and savory, with many likening it to seared steak. While space itself is odorless, when astronauts return to their spacecraft, the air captures the smells that have clung to their suits. These scents likely result from high-energy reactions in space, where particles like atomic oxygen interact with materials on the astronauts' gear, creating compounds with a smoky, meaty aroma. The combination of metallic and charred notes has been compared to grilled steak or even gunpowder! The unique microgravity environment causes smells to linger longer, making the sensory experience more intense. So, while space is technically scentless, the aftermath of an EVA offers astronauts a surprisingly savory olfactory treat!