
Space has been described as having a surprisingly pungent aroma, with astronauts often comparing it to seared steak, hot metal, gunpowder, or even burnt cakes[1][2]. It is important to note that no one is actually sniffing the vacuum of space directly, as that would be fatal[3][4]. Instead, this scent clings to spacesuits and gear after they return to the airlock, likely caused by high-energy chemistry or ozone formation triggered by the harsh orbital environment[5][6].
Did you know that NASA once hired a fragrance chemist to recreate this cosmic smell for training purposes[7]?
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