What Does Outer Space Smell Like? The Kickstarter Project That Brought Space to Earth
Experience the Smell of Space
For decades, only astronauts knew what outer space smelled like.
After returning from spacewalks, astronauts consistently described a strange aroma clinging to their suits and equipment. Some compared it to hot metal, welding fumes, gunpowder, ozone, seared steak, rum, or burnt almonds. It was unlike anything found on Earth.
To help prepare astronauts for their missions, a specialized fragrance was developed to recreate this unique sensory experience. Years later, that concept became the foundation for a groundbreaking public project: Eau de Space™—the fragrance inspired by the smell of outer space.
From NASA Inspiration to Kickstarter Success
In 2020, Eau de Space launched a Kickstarter campaign with a bold mission:
Bring the smell of outer space to everyone on Earth.
The response was extraordinary.
The campaign attracted nearly 13,000 supporters from around the world and raised more than $614,000, making it one of the most talked-about fragrance projects on Kickstarter. The campaign surpassed its original funding goal by over 31,000%, demonstrating global fascination with space exploration and scientific discovery.
Kickstarter By The Numbers
- $614,376 Raised
- 12,995 Backers
- 60-Day Campaign
- Backers from 100+ Countries
- Thousands of Bottles Donated to STEM Programs
What Does Space Actually Smell Like?
Astronauts have spent decades trying to describe the scent of outer space.
The most common descriptions include:
- Hot metal
- Ozone
- Welding fumes
- Gunpowder
- Seared steak
- Burnt almonds
- Smoky notes
While no fragrance can perfectly capture the vacuum of space itself, Eau de Space recreates the aroma reported by astronauts after returning from spacewalks, when particles from space interacted with their suits and equipment.
The result is a scent experience that is fascinating, surprising, and unlike anything available in traditional perfumery.
More Than a Fragrance
Eau de Space was never intended to be just another perfume.
The project was created to inspire curiosity about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). By giving students and enthusiasts a sensory connection to space, the team hoped to make exploration more tangible and engaging.
Teachers, educators, museums, and science programs have used Eau de Space as a unique educational tool to spark discussions about astronomy, chemistry, physics, and the future of human exploration.
Featured Worldwide
What started as a Kickstarter project quickly became a global media story.
The idea of experiencing the smell of space captured attention from journalists, scientists, educators, and curious minds worldwide.
As Seen In
CNN
BBC
Reuters
NPR
TIME
USA Today
Good Morning America
CBS
ABC
Mashable
Popular Mechanics
HYPEBEAST
35+ Global Publications
Millions Reached Worldwide
Introducing Eau de Luna
The Kickstarter campaign eventually expanded beyond space itself.
Inspired by astronaut accounts from the Apollo missions, Eau de Luna recreates the legendary smell of lunar dust—often compared to spent gunpowder and dry smoke.
Together, Eau de Space and Eau de Luna allow explorers to experience two of humanity’s most iconic destinations through scent.
What Customers Are Saying
“An industrial clean scent. I like it.”
“Giving students a tangible way to experience space gives an experiment aspect to lessons.”
“It is a wonderfully unique smell.”
“Perfect for science lovers and future astronauts.”
Why Space Enthusiasts Love Eau de Space
Authentic Inspiration
Based on documented astronaut descriptions and NASA training concepts.
Conversation Starter
Unlike any traditional fragrance available.
Educational Value
Perfect for classrooms, STEM programs, museums, and science enthusiasts.
Unique Gift
An unforgettable experience for space fans, collectors, and explorers.
Global Community
Supported by thousands of backers worldwide.
Bring the Final Frontier Home
The dream of space exploration inspires millions of people every year.
Eau de Space transforms that curiosity into an experience you can actually smell.
Whether you’re a lifelong space enthusiast, an educator looking to inspire students, or someone searching for the most unique gift imaginable, Eau de Space offers a sensory journey unlike anything else on Earth.
Smell What Space Actually Smells Like
Explore Eau de Space™ and Eau de Luna™ today and experience the scents that have fascinated astronauts, scientists, and thousands of Kickstarter supporters around the world.