Special items of astronauts on the space station

Coffee machines, 3D printing equipment or exercise machines are designed to fit the gravityless environment on the International Space Station (ISS) to meet the needs of both astronauts and can support research. assist.

Coffee mixer

Prototype prototype ISSpresso coffee machine before posting to ISS.(Photo: Lavazza / Argotec)

ISSpresso is the first coffee maker designed for astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS), to make hot espresso coffee, replacing dissolved coffee which is considered the only option for astronauts. on ISS for 13 years.

ISSpresso was brought to ISS on November 22, following the journey of the Soyuz spacecraft TMA-15M. Astronauts do not enjoy this drink with a cup because of the limitations of a zero gravity environment, instead will use a coffee drinking straw in a sealed plastic bag.

According to experts, ISSpresso not only contributes to the diversification of astronaut drinks, but is also a part of hydrodynamic (fluid dynamics) research in a zero gravity environment.

3D printer

3D printer on ISS.(Photo: NASA)

The 3D gravity-free 3D printer was posted to ISS in October, marking a new step towards realizing the dream of building an independent civilization in space.

The device, manufactured by California-based Made in Space, is expected to become a reliable part of technology in space. The 3D printer can create metal, plastic or other materials and weld them in layers to create three-dimensional objects.

Tests with 3D printers may set the stage for future production of materials and equipment, which are brought to the ISS in a conventional way of transporting from Earth. As a result, astronauts' exploration and research methods will change completely.

Robot talking to people

Astronaut Koichi Wakata and Kirobo robot.(Photo: AFP)

Kirobo is a Japanese talking robot, brought to the ISS last year and became the first robot astronaut here. Kirobo has the ability to respond to human questions. The robot is 34 cm tall and weighs about a kilogram. The Kirobo name is made up of two words "hope" and "robot".

"Good morning everyone. I am the Kirobo robot astronaut. I am the first talking robot astronaut in the world. Glad to meet you," Kirobo said in Japanese when he came to ISS. .

Last Christmas, Kirobo had a short conversation with the Japanese astronaut Koichi Wakata.

Exercise machines

An astronaut is training with the ARED machine.(Photo: NASA)

Space flights have many negative effects on the human body. Muscle wear, bone degradation are the most common health problems facing astronauts on ISS.

ARED is a training machine designed by scientists to help astronauts practice everyday. They can do sit-ups, stand-ups, lift or push bars.