Space travel in itself is a rare opportunity for astronauts because of the complexity it involves as well as the cost it comes with. Even though Space Tourism will soon be hitting humankind on a larger scale in the coming years, It will hardly touch the exclusivity Astronauts experience staying inside the space station doing regular activities.
The inspiration to write this article goes to the two NASA Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore who went on an 8 days plan mission on June 5th, 2024 and got stuck in International Space Station (ISS) for the last 2 months. As per the latest report, they will be returning in February 2025. NASA has denied astronauts being Stranded and claims to be on an extended mission.
All these events happening it bring a whirlpool of questions and curiosity, What will happen if Astronauts fall sick in Space or worst case die? We will also be looking at whether such a situation has ever happened in past.
When Astronauts get Sick in Space
Health issues and sickness can occur anytime, whether you are on Earth or in space. The microgravity environment of Space affects body functions and could elevate health problems even further.
The challenges that Astronauts usually face are –
- Space weakens the Immune System – Microgravity is a feeling of weightlessness that you usually get in Space and it weakens the Immune System, making Astronauts susceptible to Infections.
- Bone Density Loss – Have you ever seen Astronauts standing while returning from Space? No, you would have not that’s because they lose Bone Density vary rapidly in Space. Bone maintains its density when there is continuous stress working on it. Due to Microgravity, Bone does not bear any weight which makes them lose 1% bone density every month in Space.
- Fluid Shift – Astronauts experience a fluid shift in their body towards the upside (head). This is because of lacking gravity which causes extensive intracranial problems as well as vision problems.
Fortunately, As a preventive measure Astronauts undergo extensive medical examinations which check the fitness level of Astronauts before the mission.
Secondly, Spacecraft and the International Space Station are equipped with Medical kits and essential antibiotics, painkillers, and even tools for minor surgical procedures. Rigorous training is given to Astronauts to handle unexpected circumstances and cases.
Thirdly, Spacecraft and ISS have the facility of Telemedicine which allows Astronauts to connect with Medical experts on Earth that can guide them through audio or video calls.
To avoid getting sick in the first place, you will see Astronauts taking carefully planned diets along with supplements that will fuel their bodies and fulfil daily needs. Exercising is an important daily regime for them to sustain in Space.
In case of Extreme sickness and medical emergencies that cannot be handled in space, there is a chance of emergency return on Earth that can be considered but unlikely as it would impact the entire mission. Although such a situation has never occurred in past there is no clear protocol.
What If an Astronaut dies in Space?
If astronauts die in Space for any reason, then we are left with two questions – Will the dead body be brought back to Earth? or It will be released in Space?
Well, the topic is really interesting as much as it sounds because there is no such incident of an astronaut’s death that has occurred in space. Most of the incidents where the Astronauts died in a Space Mission were usually on the Ground or during Re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere.
First of all, it is very unlikely that an Astronaut’s body will be released into Space because it could lead to Space Debris also ethically it will be incorrect. Imagine you worked for the Space Agency all your life and when you are no more, the agency will even respectfully hand over your body to the family. That would be so disrespectful.
Body Decomposition
Low temperature and vacuum of Space will slow down the decomposition of the body, but will not completely stop it. Thus the decomposition will be a big challenge which could further lead to contamination in Space Craft or inside the ISS. To avoid contamination, the body will likely be stored inside a special container that will preserve the body further, and isolate it from other Astronauts
Returned to Earth will be planned
If the Space Mission for which Astronauts went into space was about to end in a few days, then returning to Earth they would carry out the body remains to handover to the family. Mission is far from ending anytime soon, chances are that a special craft could be planned just to carry the body remains back to Earth.
Space Burial
There is a concept of Space Burial, where a body is sent to a trajectory away from the Earth in Space. This will be done very carefully if ever as it could cause Space Debris. Space Burial will be the last resort if anything else is not possible and will mostly be done with the consent of the astronaut’s family.
Hope you liked this article. Do check out Life for more such interesting topics.
