NASA-linked perfume recreates the ‘smell of space’

A new perfume backed by a kickstarter campaign is inspired by NASA astronauts’ descriptions of the smell of space.

According to a Designboom feature, Eau de Space – developed by chemist and Omega Ingredients founder Steve Pearce – is a perfume based on the scent developed decades ago for astronauts in training to prepare them for extraterrestrial experiences beyond the atmosphere.

The original formula is based on reports from returned astronauts, who described the smell of space as “seared steak, raspberries and rum” and “a bitter kind of smell in addition to being smokey and burned … like a smell from a gun, right after you fire the shot”.

The formula for the scent has been a closely-guarded secret for years.

The scent developers partnered with leading perfumers to create “a fragrance that sparks curiosity while leading to an increased interest in Stem (science, technology, engineer, mathematics) students grades K-12”, according to the feature.

Pearce has hinted that the team’s next project will be to release a scent inspired by the smell of the moon…

Here’s a cool video release to promote the new fragrance…

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