Inside the Smell of the International Space Station
Currently, there are seven crew members aboard the International Space Station (ISS), all cohabitating within the confined space of this remarkable habitat. Everyone’s trying to work, eat, and exercise together, but it seems there’s another topic worth discussing: the smell.
Astronauts who have spent time on the ISS haven’t held back when it comes to describing its unique scent. It’s often referred to as… well, a bit peculiar.
In 2017, Scott Kelly, a former NASA astronaut, likened the aroma to that of a prison he’d visited. He described it as “a combination of preservatives, trash, and body odor.” Kelly was quick to clarify that the odor didn’t stem from the astronauts themselves, rather from their training garments, which had accumulated some scent over time.
“We use deodorizers, rinse off, shower,” Kelly explained. “Still, there’s a hint of body smell lingering. Most of the time, we wear clothes that go weeks without a wash.”
A few years back, he mentioned to CBS News that some areas of the ISS had more notable odors than others. That sentiment was echoed by Samantha Cristoforetti, an astronaut with the European Space Agency. During her second visit to the ISS in 2022, she shared with her TikTok followers that “it has a very unique smell,” but acknowledged that “some places” definitely have their own odors.
Cristoforetti pointed out specific areas where unpleasant smells accumulate, particularly near garbage storage and containers for solid waste. Another less-than-aromatic spot is by the exhaust of a “brine processor” that extracts water from urine.
Bob Hines, another NASA astronaut who lived on the ISS with Cristoforetti, noted that his first impressions of the smell were reminiscent of “old luggage” mixed with a “hospital type scent.” He attributed this combination to the cleaning protocols, as many cargo bags hang around the station.
NASA continually investigates ways to minimize odors. The agency uses air filters designed not just to tackle carbon dioxide, but also any gases released during scientific experiments. Additionally, engineers and chemists explore methods to combat unpleasant scents that might distract crew members.
“We really want astronauts to stay focused on their tasks,” said Susana Tapia Harper, who runs NASA’s odor lab in New Mexico. “Imagine having to study in a troublesome bathroom—it’s tough to concentrate.”
This effort to manage smells has led some astronauts, including Kelly, Cristoforetti, and Hines, to conclude that while those initial impressions may seem strong, it’s actually not that bad. Cristoforetti mentioned the air filters were “very good,” noting that consistent odors were hard to detect shortly after installation. After some time, Hines admitted, “I don’t notice anymore.”
Chris Hadfield, a Canadian astronaut, had his own experiences aboard the ISS as well. He found the smell to be “very beautiful,” similar to what one might encounter on a well-kept airplane or a clean hospital.
“We work hard to maintain a healthy environment. It benefits our wellbeing and keeps bacteria at bay,” Hadfield emphasized. “And if there are no unpleasant odors, that’s a bonus.”
