NASA’s ‘smell of space’ could soon be available as a perfume

Have you ever wondered what outer space smells like?

If you assumed it smells like nothing up there — as I did for 26 years — you’re wrong. Astronauts have compared the smell of space to “seared steak, raspberries, and rum.” And thanks to a Kickstarter campaign, you might soon be able to experience the mysterious smell yourself.

The Kickstarter, which has raised nearly $250,000 so far, seeks to bottle the scent as a fragrance called “Eau de Space,” and make it available to the average, curious, space-loving person.

In the video below, which appears on the Kickstarter page, you can see astronauts discussing the unique smell of space in greater detail. And in 2008, NASA enlisted the help of Steve Pearce, a chemist and the founder of Omega Ingredients, to re-create it.

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Per the Kickstarter campaign page, the “smell of space” was first developed “to help train astronauts before launch into orbit.” And though the scent has been solely shared with astronauts in field training for years, the formula was obtained thanks to several Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests.

“We’ve partnered with award winning perfumers, some of the best in the world, and secured the rights to launch this product exclusively,” the campaign page reads. “Our team consists of top Fashion, Tech, Design, and Logistics experience — all with a desire to increase STEM through experiential education.”

According to the Frequently Asked Questions section of the Eau de Space Kickstarter, the perfume will come in four-ounce bottles and can be ordered in bulk. It can also be worn as a perfume in your everyday life if you wind up liking it enough.

The campaign closes on Aug. 17, 2020, so if you’re interested in snagging a bottle of space smells for yourself there’s still time.