Fact or Crap: Does space smell like burnt steak?

A computer-generated image shows an astronaut in an orange suit walking on icy terrain with a large orange planet in the background. In front of image, text reads "Fact or crap? Space smells like burnt steak", with "FACT" stamped in large letters in the middle of the image.

It’s true!

According to this article from Popular Science, astronauts have reported that space smells like burnt or fried steak. The smell has also been likened to burning metal and spent gunpowder. The smell is due to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) — molecules that are created by burning organic material. PAHs are not only found in space. They’re here on Earth in our air, water, soil and food… even in that charred ribeye.