Today in Bizarre: Perfumes From Outer Space

When I was a kid, like many kids, I suppose, I always wondered what space smelled like. Later, I found out that astronauts consistently describe the smell of outer space as a distinct, pungent mixture of seared steak, hot metal, and welding fumes. This unique odour, often likened to burning metal or gunpowder, clings to spacesuits and equipment after spacewalks, likely caused by high-energy vibrations and chemical reactions with atomic oxygen.

In 2020, Steve Pearce created two fragrances inspired by outer space for the brand Eau de Space after he was contracted by NASA in 2008 to create the scent of space. One, The Smell of Space (Eau de Space), mimics that, and the other, The Smell of the Moon (Eau de Luna), mimics the moon’s scent. Let’s take a look at these scents and see how Pearce depicted these aromas that are literally out of this world.

1. Eau de Space The Smell of Space Eau de Space

First of all, we have Eau de Space, The Smell of Space. This fragrance is metallic and smoky,  just as the astronauts described outer space. But it doesn’t end there. Eau de Space is soaked in plastic, aromatic, ozonic, and warm spicy notes. All that falls in line with what space supposedly smells like, but what confuses me are the sweet and rum accords. Who’s drinking run in outer space?!

2. Eau de Luna The Smell of the Moon Eau de Space

Eau de Luna, The Smell of the Moon. This here is an aromatic fragrance with notes of smoke, fire, and gunpowder, which is not what I imagine the moon to smell like. I mean, there are no woods up there as far as I’m aware. But I can see why it might smell like gunpowder.

I’m not sure if or when Steve Pearce would get on board to create more space-inspired fragrances for NASA, but I urge him to do so immediately. I want a Saturn perfume.

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