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Since the inception of human space exploration over 60 years ago, space missions have not been devoid of tragedy. To date, 20 individuals have lost their lives in space-related incidents. These fatalities include the 14 astronauts who perished in the NASA space shuttle tragedies of 1986 (Challenger) and 2003 (Columbia), three cosmonauts during the Soyuz 11 mission, and three astronauts in the Apollo 1 launch pad fire.
NASA’s future missions and associated risks
As NASA prepares to send more astronauts to the Moon and Mars in the coming years, the risk of fatalities naturally increases. Emmanuel Urquieta, Chief Medical Officer at NASA, provides insight into the protocols and considerations surrounding death in space. NASA’s detailed protocols ensure that such situations are managed with utmost care and respect.
Astronauts death on the Moon and Mars
If a death were to occur on a lunar mission, the protocol would involve returning the deceased to Earth. Given the relatively short distance, the crew could bring the body back within a few days. This immediate return ensures that the body can be handled according to Earth’s mortuary practices and provides closure for the grieving family and crew.
A mission to Mars presents a more complex scenario. With a 300 million-mile journey, turning back to Earth with the deceased would be impractical. Instead, the body would need to be preserved during the mission. NASA plans to use separate chambers or specialised body bags for this purpose. The steady temperature and humidity inside the spacecraft would theoretically help in preserving the body until it can be returned to Earth.
Preservation in pressurised environments
These preservation protocols apply only if the death occurs in a pressurised environment, such as inside the spacecraft or a habitat module. The controlled atmosphere helps maintain the body’s condition over the extended duration of the mission.
The consequences of exposure to space
Should an astronaut step outside into space, the Moon, or Mars without a spacesuit, the outcome would be catastrophic. Exposure to the vacuum of space would cause bodily fluids to boil, leading to immediate death due to the lack of breathable air. This scenario underscores the critical importance of spacesuit integrity during extravehicular activities.
Cremation and burial after death in space
Cremation in space is not feasible due to the high energy consumption required, which would deplete vital resources needed by the surviving crew. Similarly, burial is not advisable, as the introduction of Earth-based bacteria and other organisms could contaminate the Martian or lunar environment, posing a biohazard risk.
Psychological and emotional support
Handling the physical remains is only part of the challenge. Providing psychological support to the crew and grieving families on Earth is equally important. Dr. Urquieta emphasises the necessity of mental health resources to help the crew cope with the loss and to support the emotional well-being of the bereaved families.
Also read | NASA reveals how much faster time passes on the Moon compared to Earth
NASA’s future missions and associated risks
As NASA prepares to send more astronauts to the Moon and Mars in the coming years, the risk of fatalities naturally increases. Emmanuel Urquieta, Chief Medical Officer at NASA, provides insight into the protocols and considerations surrounding death in space. NASA’s detailed protocols ensure that such situations are managed with utmost care and respect.
Astronauts death on the Moon and Mars
If a death were to occur on a lunar mission, the protocol would involve returning the deceased to Earth. Given the relatively short distance, the crew could bring the body back within a few days. This immediate return ensures that the body can be handled according to Earth’s mortuary practices and provides closure for the grieving family and crew.
A mission to Mars presents a more complex scenario. With a 300 million-mile journey, turning back to Earth with the deceased would be impractical. Instead, the body would need to be preserved during the mission. NASA plans to use separate chambers or specialised body bags for this purpose. The steady temperature and humidity inside the spacecraft would theoretically help in preserving the body until it can be returned to Earth.
Preservation in pressurised environments
These preservation protocols apply only if the death occurs in a pressurised environment, such as inside the spacecraft or a habitat module. The controlled atmosphere helps maintain the body’s condition over the extended duration of the mission.
The consequences of exposure to space
Should an astronaut step outside into space, the Moon, or Mars without a spacesuit, the outcome would be catastrophic. Exposure to the vacuum of space would cause bodily fluids to boil, leading to immediate death due to the lack of breathable air. This scenario underscores the critical importance of spacesuit integrity during extravehicular activities.
Cremation and burial after death in space
Cremation in space is not feasible due to the high energy consumption required, which would deplete vital resources needed by the surviving crew. Similarly, burial is not advisable, as the introduction of Earth-based bacteria and other organisms could contaminate the Martian or lunar environment, posing a biohazard risk.
Psychological and emotional support
Handling the physical remains is only part of the challenge. Providing psychological support to the crew and grieving families on Earth is equally important. Dr. Urquieta emphasises the necessity of mental health resources to help the crew cope with the loss and to support the emotional well-being of the bereaved families.
Also read | NASA reveals how much faster time passes on the Moon compared to Earth
