Space: What outer space smells like

What does outer space smell like? (Willow)

Willow,

Thank you for your question. The issue of smell in space is a tricky one. While you would think that there is no smell in space due to the lack of atmosphere, that may not be the case. Astronauts have stated that space does have a smell. They have noticed this smell in the airlock and clinging to the spacesuits after returning from a spacewalk. The smell has been described various ways, the most popular of which are “metallic” and “like burnt cooking”.

Thanks again for your question. I appreciate your interest in space.

Sincerely,
Professor Science