NASA's Secret Behind Clean Space Odors: The Essential Smell Testing

When you think of NASA, you may picture astronauts floating in space or complex spacecraft, but there is a hidden detail that can make or break a mission: the smell of the air within the International Space Station (ISS). NASA has a dedicated team of sniffers who test every object before launching it into space. This article delves into the fascinating world of NASA's smell testing and why it's crucial for the crew's well-being.

The Team of Sniffers

Located in White Sands, New Mexico, a small team of smell testers evaluates items intended for use inside the ISS. This team, with a unique and important title, is known as the Odor Evaluation Panel. Their role is to ensure that no intruding odors will disrupt the crew's comfort, reduce their productivity, or put them at risk.

Laboratory of Smells

The process begins with a rigorous test regimen. Each item to be tested must first pass toxic offgas testing to eliminate any potential toxic vapor hazards. Then, five volunteers undergo a series of smell tests. These volunteers must undergo a thorough medical examination to ensure their sense of smell is optimal. They must also be able to detect seven primary odor standards (ether, camphor, musk, floral, mint, pungent, putrid) and three odorless standards from 10 samples.

Rating System and Thresholds

During the evaluation, each sample is administered to the volunteers through plastic masks. The smell is rated on a four-point scale from 0 to 4. If the smell exceeds a 2.5 rating, the item fails the test. This process is designed to ensure that only items with a very low odor potential will be sent into space.

The Personalities Behind the Nasalnauts

Among the team of smell testers, one stands out: George Aldrich. Known as the Chief Sniffer and Nostrildamus NASA Nose, Aldrich has been using his sense of smell for the common good for over several decades. His unique character and role within NASA make him a familiar face, though his job is often overlooked by the public.

The Purpose of Smell Testing

The primary purpose of this smell evaluation process is to prevent astronauts from being overwhelmed by unsavorable odors. In a cramped, confined, and heat-filled environment like the ISS, odors can quickly become a major issue. When smelling is intensified, it can lead to nausea, reduced productivity, and in extreme cases, even endanger the mission.

Implications for Astronaut Comfort and Safety

Astronauts do not have access to fresh air via a window that may help dissipate odors. Therefore, detecting an odor before launch is crucial. Smelly items can also saturate the sense of smell, reducing the astronauts' ability to detect critical events like a fire or an ammonia leak. The human nose remains the most sensitive and reliable detection method, making smell testing an indispensable part of the safety protocol.

Real-Life Challenges and Successes

While the process works well, there have been instances where smelly materials have managed to slip through the cracks. These instances highlight the importance of the smell testers and show that their work is far from perfect. However, the majority of tests are successful, ensuring that the air astronauts breathe in space remains clean and fresh.

Conclusion

As you can see, NASA’s smell testing is more than just a quirky aspect of space missions; it’s a vital component of ensuring the well-being and safety of astronauts. Whether it's nail polish remover, rotten eggs, or grocery store cake icing, the NASA smell testers make sure that nothing unpleasant is sent into space, ensuring a more comfortable and safe environment for our astronauts.