Death is a universal certainty, but what happens when it occurs beyond Earth’s bounds? In the vast vacuum of space, where zero gravity reigns and temperatures plummet, even the grim logistics of death become a frontier of exploration. NASA, always prepared for the unthinkable, has haunting protocols in place for managing an astronaut’s death in space. These measures are as eerie as they are necessary and reveal a chilling side of human spaceflight.
Contents
- 1 NASA’s Dark Preparations for Death in Space
- 2 Death During a Spacewalk: Immediate Priorities
- 3 Handling Death on the ISS: Three Grim Options
- 4 The Chilling Innovation: Breaking Down the Body
- 5 Dying on the Moon: A New Frontier of Challenges
- 6 Emotional Fallout: The Nightmare NASA Can’t Train For
- 7 Final Thoughts
NASA’s Dark Preparations for Death in Space
In space, every “what if” must be accounted for. NASA’s meticulous planning extends to what happens if an astronaut dies mid-mission. While it may sound like the plot of a sci-fi thriller, it’s the stark reality for those venturing beyond Earth. To prepare for such a tragedy, simulations and protocols are rehearsed to the smallest detail.
Former ISS commander Chris Hadfield has shed light on this grim preparation, noting that astronauts train for worst-case scenarios, including the possibility of a crewmate’s death. It’s an unsettling but necessary part of the mission.
Death During a Spacewalk: Immediate Priorities
Imagine an astronaut succumbing to an accident during a spacewalk. The first priority, according to NASA protocol, would be retrieving the body and bringing it inside the airlock. But here’s where things get complicated.
Decomposing in a spacesuit creates unique challenges. The warm, pressurized environment accelerates the breakdown of the body, producing gases and odors that could jeopardize the living crew. To prevent contamination, the deceased would remain sealed in their suit and stored in a cold part of the spacecraft—a makeshift morgue onboard the ISS.
Handling Death on the ISS: Three Grim Options
On the International Space Station, death protocols are both pragmatic and unsettling. NASA’s guidance outlines three potential methods for dealing with a body:
- Return the Body to Earth
This is the preferred option, but logistical hurdles, such as mission duration and cargo space, often make it impossible. - Jettison the Body into Space
While it seems practical, this violates international agreements on space debris and would cause legal and diplomatic issues. - Destructive Re-entry
In this scenario, the body is sent back to Earth to burn up in the atmosphere. Essentially a form of cremation, it comes with ethical and technical complications.
The Chilling Innovation: Breaking Down the Body
NASA has explored even darker methods to handle a corpse. One proposed solution involves freezing the body using the frigid temperatures of space and then using a robotic arm to vibrate it into tiny fragments. This would allow for more compact storage and simplified transport.
This process, nicknamed “Body Back,” is as dystopian as it sounds but highlights the harsh realities of space exploration. In an environment where every resource is limited, even handling human remains requires innovation.
Dying on the Moon: A New Frontier of Challenges
The Moon presents its own set of grim challenges. Without bacteria or moisture, a body would remain eerily preserved on the lunar surface. But leaving it there isn’t an option. NASA’s planetary protection policies mandate the retrieval of remains to avoid contaminating celestial bodies.
Transporting a body back to Earth from the Moon adds layers of complexity and expense, making the task daunting but necessary.
Emotional Fallout: The Nightmare NASA Can’t Train For
While NASA has plans for almost every scenario, one element remains unpredictable: the emotional toll of death in space. For astronauts, the psychological burden of losing a colleague far from Earth is profound. Dealing with the logistical challenges of handling a body only adds to the strain.
Despite the eerie precision of these protocols, NASA’s ultimate goal is clear: to avoid such tragedies at all costs. Every effort is made to ensure astronauts return safely, keeping death confined to Earth whenever possible.
Final Thoughts
Death in space may be a morbid topic, but it underscores the extraordinary challenges of space exploration. NASA’s protocols reveal a stark reality where every possibility, no matter how grim, must be addressed. As humanity ventures further into the cosmos, these haunting preparations serve as a reminder of the risks and sacrifices that come with reaching for the stars.
