This could be similar to the fisher space pen. There's a common urban legend that NASA spent millions developing the space pen, while the soviets simply used pencils. Fisher actually paid for the development of the space pen.
Next up:
- the Russians will launch a new module containing a rye farm and a distillery 'cause cosmonauts can't be expected to drink pre-bagged vodka.
- The Americans, not to be outdone launch a ring-shaped module containing a stretch of prairie where cattle roam 'cause damn'it we'll have our grass-fed beef whether we're in space or not.
- When the Indians finally get their module attached it will turn out to be somewhat reminiscent of the American one with the addition of a ghee factory
- the Japanese module is full of water and fish and space-sea-weed with a small compartment for the sushi chef
- the Chinese module is filled with earth and eggs behind doors bearing labels telling the crew when the required 1000 years have been reached
- the Dutch turn up with a giant solar wind mill
- ...
Additionally the technical paper claims psychological benefits for humans to have something familiar in a harsh and unfamiliar environment. Which will also come in handy for when humans travel beyond LEO.
But seriously. As the article says, there are other needs for having high pressure hot water. The learnings from this can be used elsewhere.
As the siblings said, it can also have been paid for by Lavazza. Aside of the marketing value now, imagine securing the right/first mover advantage to make all coffee makers into the foreseeable future? Speaking of barrier to entry. ;-)
> The food system for long-duration space missions not only provides nutrition to the crew, but it also provides a form of psychological support by providing a familiar element in an unfamiliar and hostile environment
