[imagesource:instagram/spacelovers]
As humans continue to push the boundaries of space exploration, a morbid yet necessary inquiry looms: what happens when you ‘kick the bucket’ out there?
The pursuit of human space travel is a relatively small part of our universe’s history, spanning a mere six decades. That being said, the lives of twenty brave individuals have been claimed since, reminding us that visiting space is not always as safe as we’d like.
As the stakes escalate, with NASA’s plans to journey to Mars within the decade, commercial space flight becoming a reality and Russia joining the group chat with their newest lunar venture, the inevitability of facing mortality amidst the stars cannot be ignored.
For us curious stargazers, Emmanuel Urquieta, Professor of Space Medicine and Emergency Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine has risen to the task of explaining what death in space can look like in all its various iterations.
In the context of lunar exploration, there are a number of established protocols that offer a glimpse into potential future responses to inevitable loss of life. Should tragedy strike on the moon, expeditions would possess the means to transport the fallen crew member back to earth within days, ensuring a swift and dignified return.
It’s simple enough to look at these processes when it comes to lunar travel, but venturing further into the cosmos becomes more complicated.
Professor Urquieta has explained that the hypothetical scenario of an astronaut’s passing during a trek to Mars presents unique challenges.
With no promise of immediate return, fellow crew members might have to prepare to preserve dead bodies and send them back down to earth when conditions allow. Cremation simply takes up way too much energy and is unrealistic considering the location. Sadly, this also means family and friends of the hypothetically diseased could await years to receive remains.
While the procedures surrounding astronauts who have passed on may differ between the moon and Mars, it goes without saying that no matter where you are in space, without your protective space suit, it’s tickets.
The gross details include the vacuum of space causing boiling of bodily fluids and immediate cessation of breathing. Next time I use the phrase ‘it makes my blood boil’ I think I’m going to get a bit queasy, knowing that it’s not just figurative language.
Beyond the physical logistics of losing one’s life in space, the creation of support structures, psychological interventions and dignified rituals are equally important for those who are left behind.
About 30 astronauts and cosmonauts have died while training for or attempting dangerous space missions. But the vast majority of these deaths occurred either on the ground or in Earth’s atmosphere.
However, of the roughly 550 people who have so far ventured into space, only 3 have actually died there.
Respect to all who have the guts to make it out into the cosmos, but I’ll stay down here with my blood below boiling temperature, thanks.
[source:sciencealert]
