# Astronaut Espresso Cups This Zero-G Espresso Cup Lets Astronauts Enjoy Their Brew By Rahul Kalvapalle | Published 2014-12-31 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zerog-espresso-cup References: [gizmag](http://www.gizmag.com/space-espresso-cup/35198/) & [pdx.edu](http://www.pdx.edu/financial-services/news/portland-state-university-researchers-develop-method-drink-espresso-zero-g) Researchers at [Portland State University's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/portland-gear-laptop-sleeve) Maseeh College of Engineering and Computer Science have developed an incredible microgravity or zero-g espresso cup that allows astronauts to better enjoy their morning brew in space. The International Space Station is fitted with a custom-built Italian [espresso machine](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/conqueco-portable-espresso-machine), however astronauts have had to drink their beverages out of bags. Hopefully that will no longer be the case thanks to this invention. Designed by a team comprising an engineering professor, a PhD student, an alumnus and [NASA](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/Commercial-satellite-servicing) astronaut Don Pettit, this zero-g espresso cup was 3D-printed by IRPI LLC. It is shaped much like a pitcher with an elongated lip which effectively forms a thin channel with a precisely calculated contour that allows liquid to be forced out of the cup and up to the lip, making for an easy and frustration-free pour. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.0/10 - Popularity: 53% | Activity: 60% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Science](https://www.trendhunter.com/science) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Zero-g Drinkware Inventions:** Developing new designs for mugs, cups, and other drinkware that can be used in space could make the space travel experience more comfortable and enjoyable for astronauts. - **3D Printing for Space Innovation:** The use of 3D printing to create designs that address specific challenges in space travel can help scientists create new tools and equipment that are optimized for space conditions. - **Food and Beverage in Space:** Developing new ways to produce, package, and consume food and drink in space has the potential to revolutionize long-term space travel. ### Where This Applies - **Space Exploration:** Innovations in zero-gravity drinkware and other equipment design can greatly aid space explorers, making the space travel experience more comfortable and allowing astronauts to conduct research more efficiently. - **Manufacturing and Design:** Integrating 3D printing technology into manufacturing processes for space equipment can greatly improve the speed and efficiency of the prototyping process. - **Food and Beverage Industry:** Developing food and drink products that are optimized for space travel can create significant commercial opportunities for companies in the food and beverage industry. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Zero Gravity-Dining Tableware](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zero-microgravity.md) - [Cube Aluminium Espresso Cups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/unavela.md) - [Heated Espresso-Sized Coffee Cups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/heated-espresso-cup.md) - [Aerospace-Grade Coffee Makers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coffee-dripper-system.md) - [Traveler Espresso Shot Brewers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bialetti-brewpin.md) - [Pocket-Sized Collapsible Coffee Cups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zerowaste-cup.md) - [Grown Drinkware Forms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gourd.md) - [3-in-1 Portable Espresso Brewers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brevoy-portable-espresso-maker.md) - [Mini Espresso Machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cyetus-mini-espresso.md)