What Happens If Someone Dies in Space?

Have you ever wondered what would happen to your body if you were to die out in space? Researchers have put their brains together to answer the difficult questions regarding this unusual scenario.

NASA is planning another space mission to send humans to the moon within the next seven years, with even wilder plans to send people to Mars in the 2030s. The journey to the red planet will require a long-distance mission and many months in space. Because of this, there's a need to consider how humans will survive such a long time out in the ether.

The History of Spaceflight and Deaths

Since the beginning of human spaceflight over 60 years ago, 20 people have died. However, none of these deaths were actually in space and were due to failed launches before leaving the Earth's atmosphere.

Though NASA hasn't illustrated set protocols for dealing with a death that happens in space (because they haven't had to deal with it yet), some of the world's space researchers have come up with their own hypotheses.

The Worst-Case Scenario

One of the ways someone could die in space is by being exposed to its vacuum without having a suitably pressurized suit to protect them.

Chris Hadfield, Canadian astronaut and former commander of the International Space Station, shares his thoughts on what could be the worst possible outcome.

He said: "In the worst case scenario, something happens during a spacewalk.

"You could suddenly be struck by a micro-meteorite, and there's nothing you can do about that.

"It could puncture a hole in your suit, and within a few seconds you're incapacitated."

The Gruesome Reality

Here comes the gruesome part. You probably thought it was just a dramatic effect for films, but nope.

Emmanuel Urquieta, professor of space medicine at the Baylor College of Medicine, described the horrific death experienced by an astronaut who was exposed to the vacuum, saying that it would become impossible for them to breathe, and their blood and other bodily fluids would effectively boil.

According to Popular Science, the unfortunate astronaut's blood would vaporize, along with the water in their body, in just 10 seconds. They would lose consciousness in 15 seconds as their body horrifically expanded and their lungs collapsed. They'd be paralyzed or more likely dead in 30 seconds, most likely of asphyxiation or decompression.

The Issue of Burial

Then there's the issue of burial - or lack thereof. If someone died on Mars, Urquieta explained burial or cremation wouldn't be possible as they 'could contaminate the Martian surface'. He said 'the crew would likely preserve the body in a specialized body bag until it could be returned to Earth'.

The Fate of the Deceased in Space

If the astronaut was unlucky enough to die out in space, their body would eventually enter a frozen or mummified state and float through the ether - potentially for millions of years, since there's no oxygen to prompt decomposition - until it was destroyed by a planet or star, or perhaps heat or radiation.

In conclusion, while the topic of death in space is morbid, it's a reality that space agencies and researchers need to consider as we venture further into the cosmos. The challenges of dealing with such situations are immense, and solutions will need to be developed as space exploration advances.

FAQs

1. Is it likely for someone to die in space?

   Fortunately, the chances of someone dying in space are extremely low, thanks to rigorous safety protocols and the use of advanced space suits.

2. What happens to the bodies of astronauts who die in space missions?

   Currently, there are no set protocols, but researchers are exploring ways to handle such unfortunate situations, including preserving the bodies for return to Earth.

3. Could someone be buried in space?

   Burial in space is not currently feasible due to contamination concerns, but future technologies may allow for more dignified solutions.

4. Are there plans to send humans to Mars?

   Yes, NASA has ambitious plans to send humans to Mars in the 2030s as part of their exploration efforts.

5. How do astronauts cope with the psychological stress of space travel?

   Astronauts undergo extensive training to prepare for the psychological challenges of space travel, including isolation and confinement, and they receive support from mission control and fellow crew members.