Space Espresso Is A Thing Now

It took a few decades, but espresso has finally reached the final frontier. The New York Times reports that this weekend the International Space Station took delivery of the world's first espresso machine designed for space. One small step for man, one giant leap for Starbucks. Astronauts can thank the Italians for the espresso machine. Italian astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti had been suffering through instant coffee during her time on the space station, so her home country offered to intervene. And just like that, we have new-found appreciation for that beautiful, beautiful country.  Cristoforetti, who caught the package containing the espresso machine with a giant robot arm (so cool!), said she was looking forward to enjoying space espresso. We like to think of her sipping a brew as she somersaults around the station. Here's hoping she shares — at least until Starbucks decides to hook  up the American crew with, say, space S'mores Frappuccinos. Think about it, guys.