The Smell of Space

Astronauts can’t just pull off their helmets and take a big whiff to discover what space smells like, but they have discovered that space has a distinct odor when they return to the safety of their space vehicle. They’ve reported that the smell is something similar to seared steak, burning metal, or welding fumes.

The smell becomes coated on the astronaut’s helmet, suit, and gloves after they come back inside from the vacuum of…