How does outer space smell like: burnt meat, booze, or rotten eggs? Here is what we know

What does outer space smell like? Citing various space expeditions over the decades, Space.com has reported that the universe emits various smells from every corner of the never-ending universe, often of which are generally unpleasant. Astronauts have long described strong odors clinging to their space suits after they return to their air-locked chambers. It is impossible to take a whiff of the cosmos without facing certain death. But those aboard the Apollo moon landings described the scent as gunpowder-like. On the other hand, those who traversed the International Space Station compared the smell to burnt steak.

Burnt meat stink
Space scientists have said that the source of the metallic, burnt meat stink can be attributed to Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), found in charred foods on Earth. They routinely occur in outer space.


Smell of Ozone
However, Space.com has reported that the smell is likely a reaction to oxygen rather than one that is found in space. It said in a report that single atoms of O2 cling to the astronauts' space suits before they walk into the airless vacuum of space and repressurize upon reentry into the airlock. It combines with fresh oxygen atoms to form ozone or O3.

Boozy smell
Some astronauts who removed their helmets after a space walk reported that the ozone smells bitter and smoky and even like rum and raspberries. Former NASA chemist Steve Pearce bottled into the perfume 'Eau de Space' in 2020.

The boozy odor has previously been connected to Sagittarius B2, a vast dust cloud at the center of our galaxy that contains loads of alcohol, including vinyl alcohol, methanol and ethanol.
The same cloud also contains the chemical compound ethyl formate, which gives raspberries and rum their sweet fragrances.

Putrid smell
Besides, it has also been found that Uranus smells strongly of flatulence, a putrid discovery made in 2018. The seventh planet from the sun’s upper atmosphere is made up of hydrogen sulfide, the compound that creates the smell of rotten eggs and human farts.

FAQs:

What does outer space smell like?
Those aboard the Apollo moon landings described the scent as gunpowder-like. On the other hand, those who traversed the International Space Station compared the smell to burnt steak.
The upper atmosphere of Uranus is made up of hydrogen sulfide, the compound that creates the smell of rotten eggs and human farts.

Why does the outer space smell like burnt meat?
According to Space.com, the smell is likely a reaction to oxygen rather than one that is found in space. It said in a report that single atoms of O2 cling to the astronauts' space suits before they walk into the airless vacuum of space and repressurize upon reentry into the airlock. It combines with fresh oxygen atoms to form Ozone or O3.