Olfaction Beyond Gravity: Human Scent Experience in Space

Dr Caroline McMillan presents research from the Space Sensory Lab developed with co-founders Mindy Yang, Coleen McLeod Garner and Jarin Chu for the Institute for Art and Olfaction's Olfactory Research Notes, an online series.

On Earth, scent molecules disperse primarily through rising air and diffusion. In microgravity, olfaction changes dramatically. Without aggressive ventilation, air pockets stagnate, odours linger, and bodily fluids migrate toward the nasal cavity, congesting the passages and dulling the sense of smell. The result is sensory monotony, olfactory fatigue, and altered perception. Additionally, astronauts navigate unavoidable, intimate realities in confined, shared spaces. These circumstances create persistent atmospheres with no fresh air or open windows, and are often marked by avoidance or taboo.

Olfactory cues bespeak identity and anchor well-being. So how do we create meaningful olfactory experiences in orbitwhen our understanding of smell is profoundly altered, both physically and perceptually?

Drawing on astronaut accounts and research from the commercial space industry, this presentation explores scent as an untapped dimension of spatial design. Smell offers subtle, temporal, functional layers that ease discomfort, support mental health, and social cohesion in high-performance environments.

This presentation will be followed by a Q&A session with attendees.