The Nose of NASA: Meet George Aldrich, the Smell Tester for Space Missions

George Aldrich has a unique job at NASA, where he smells everything that goes into the space shuttle to ensure it is not noxious. He has never failed NASA's calibration test, which requires identifying seven primary odors. Aldrich's skills are crucial as some materials can outgas in space, creating odors not detectable on Earth. His expertise has been recognized widely, even appearing on a TV quiz show. He has tested over 780 materials, including a cork approved for space use, while Sally Ride's mascara did not pass his sniff test.

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