What Happens if You Die in Space, on the Moon, or on Mars?

As we venture further into space exploration, it’s essential to understand the consequences of death in space, on the Moon, and on Mars. In this article, we’ll delve into the challenges and complexities of handling fatalities in these extreme environments.

Death in Space

When an astronaut dies outside a pressurized environment, such as a spacecraft or space station, the consequences are dire. Without a spacesuit, death occurs almost instantly due to the loss of pressure and exposure to vacuum conditions, causing suffocation and boiling blood. Even with a spacesuit, accidents can be fatal within seconds. For instance, if an astronaut is struck by a micro-meteorite that punctures their suit, they could become incapacitated within 15 seconds, leading to asphyxiation, decompression, and eventual paralysis or death.

Death on the Moon

If an astronaut dies on the Moon, the body would likely be preserved and returned to Earth. NASA prioritizes the safety of surviving crew members, ensuring their swift return to Earth. The Moon’s extreme temperatures, ranging from 120°C to -170°C, could cause changes to the body, but NASA has comprehensive procedures in place to handle such situations.

Death on Mars

Dealing with death on a Mars mission is a unique challenge. The journey is over 300 million miles long, making it impossible to turn back. In such cases, the deceased astronaut’s body would likely remain onboard until the end of the mission, potentially years later. The body would be stored in a separate chamber or specialized body bag within the spacecraft, preserved by the controlled temperature and humidity.

The Dilemma of Body Disposal on Mars

Cremation is not an option on Mars due to energy constraints, while burial risks contaminating the Martian surface with bacteria and other organisms from the body. Therefore, it’s likely that the body would be preserved in a specialized body bag until it can be returned to Earth.

Unknowns

Despite existing protocols and plans, there are still many uncertainties about how explorers would handle a death in space. These unknowns include not only the management of the remains but also providing support for the crew dealing with their loss and assisting grieving families back on Earth. As we progress toward colonizing other worlds, these grim scenarios will necessitate further planning and protocols.

Interesting Facts

Did you know that space smells like a mix of sulphur, rum, seared steak, and gunpowder, according to astronaut Thomas Jones? Tony Antonelli describes the odor as completely different from anything you’ve ever smelled, while other astronauts compare it to raspberries.

This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the consequences of death in space, on the Moon, and on Mars, highlighting the complexities and challenges involved in handling fatalities in these extreme environments.

Historical Context:

The concept of death in space is not a new topic, as it has been a concern for space agencies and astronauts since the early days of space exploration. In the 1960s, NASA faced the challenge of dealing with the death of astronaut Ed White, who died during a spacewalk in 1967. Since then, space agencies have developed protocols and procedures for handling fatalities in space, on the Moon, and on Mars. The article highlights the complexities and challenges involved in dealing with death in these extreme environments, emphasizing the need for further planning and protocols as humanity continues to venture further into space.

Summary in Bullet Points:

• Death in space: + Occurs almost instantly without a spacesuit due to loss of pressure and exposure to vacuum conditions + Even with a spacesuit, accidents can be fatal within seconds + NASA has procedures in place to handle fatalities, prioritizing the safety of surviving crew members • Death on the Moon: + Body would likely be preserved and returned to Earth + NASA has comprehensive procedures in place to handle situations + Extreme temperatures on the Moon could cause changes to the body • Death on Mars: + Body would likely remain onboard until the end of the mission, potentially years later + Stored in a separate chamber or specialized body bag within the spacecraft + Preserved by controlled temperature and humidity • Dilemma of body disposal on Mars: + Cremation not an option due to energy constraints + Burial risks contaminating the Martian surface with bacteria and other organisms + Body would be preserved in a specialized body bag until returned to Earth • Unknowns: + Management of remains + Support for crew dealing with loss and grieving families + Further planning and protocols needed for colonizing other worlds • Interesting facts: + Space smells like a mix of sulphur, rum, seared steak, and gunpowder + Odor is completely different from anything you’ve ever smelled + Other astronauts compare it to raspberries