If an astronaut dies in space, the body can be transported back to Earth fairly soon, because current space missions involve relatively short periods and remain close to Earth.
Immediate Concerns After Death in Space
The procedures following a death in space depend heavily on the mission's location and duration. The primary concern is the preservation of the body and the psychological well-being of the remaining crew members. Here’s a breakdown of the key considerations:
- Preservation: In the vacuum of space, decomposition is significantly slowed due to the lack of oxygen. However, if the spacecraft has a breathable atmosphere, standard decomposition processes would occur, though potentially at a slower rate due to temperature control.
- Crew Morale: The death of a crew member would be a traumatic event. Protocols would prioritize supporting the psychological health of the remaining astronauts.
- Mission Objectives: Depending on the circumstances, the mission may be aborted or modified. Safety and return to Earth would take precedence.
Current Protocols for Death in Space
According to the provided reference, the current approach is to return the body to Earth as quickly as possible. This strategy works because:
- Short Missions: Most human spaceflights are relatively short, lasting days or weeks, rather than years.
- Proximity to Earth: Missions typically occur in low Earth orbit (LEO), making return trips feasible within a short timeframe.
Future Considerations for Long-Duration Missions
As space exploration advances and missions extend further into space (e.g., to Mars), the protocols for handling death will need to evolve. Transporting a body back to Earth from Mars would be impractical. Alternative solutions being considered include:
- Burial in Space: This raises complex ethical and logistical concerns, including potential contamination of other celestial bodies.
- Cryogenic Preservation: Freezing the body for potential future return or study. This requires significant energy and specialized equipment.
- Turning the Body into Compost: Utilizing processes to decompose the body efficiently and hygienically, recycling the matter.
Table: Comparison of Options
| Option | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Return to Earth | Respectful, allows for traditional burial, facilitates investigation. | Only feasible for short-duration, near-Earth missions; resource-intensive. |
| Burial in Space | Removes the body from the spacecraft. | Ethical considerations regarding sacredness, potential planetary contamination, space debris. |
| Cryogenic Preservation | Potentially reversible, allows for future study. | High energy requirements, complex equipment, long-term storage concerns. |
| Compositing | Environmentally friendly, recycles matter. | May be emotionally difficult for the crew, requires specialized equipment, raises questions about dignity and respect. |
