The idea of human remains in space often sparks curiosity. This question, whether dead bodies actually exist in the vastness beyond Earth’s atmosphere, combines scientific interest with a sense of wonder. This topic explores historical instances, the scientific principles governing how a human body would react to the extreme conditions of space, and the practical and ethical considerations for handling remains beyond our planet.
Are Human Remains Currently in Space?
While the notion of intact human bodies floating through space from accidents is a common misconception, human remains in the form of cremated ashes have been sent into space. Companies like Celestis and Elysium Space specialize in memorial spaceflights, offering options to launch a symbolic portion of cremated remains into Earth orbit, to the lunar surface, or on deep-space trajectories.
For example, Celestis launched its first commercial memorial spaceflight in 1997, carrying the cremated remains of 24 individuals, including Gene Roddenberry, into Earth orbit. In 1998, the ashes of planetary scientist Eugene Shoemaker were flown to the Moon by NASA’s Lunar Prospector spacecraft, making him the first person whose remains reached another celestial body. More recently, in January 2024, cremated remains and DNA from over 200 people, including Arthur C. Clarke and four former U.S. presidents, were launched on a United Launch Alliance Vulcan rocket, with some destined for the Moon and others for deep space. These missions typically involve small samples of ashes, often sealed in capsules, to minimize costs and avoid contributing to space debris. No known instances exist of whole, intact human bodies from accidental deaths currently orbiting Earth or on other celestial bodies.
What Happens to a Body in the Space Environment?
If an unprotected human body were exposed to the vacuum of space, the effects would be rapid and dramatic, though not as explosive as often depicted in fiction. Within seconds, the lack of atmospheric pressure would cause the water in tissues and bodily fluids to boil, a process known as ebullism. This would lead to significant swelling, though skin and tissues are elastic enough to prevent a literal explosion. Air would be expelled from the lungs, and consciousness lost within 10 to 15 seconds due to oxygen deprivation.
The remaining water in the body would then freeze due to the extreme cold, leading to desiccation or mummification. Without oxygen and Earth’s microorganisms, decomposition would not occur. However, space radiation, including galactic cosmic rays and solar radiation, would still impact the body, potentially breaking down carbon bonds and causing degradation of skin and muscles over time. Depending on sunlight exposure, parts of the body could also experience extreme temperatures, leading to scorching on sunlit sides and freezing on shadowed sides.
Handling Human Remains in Space
The handling of human remains in space involves established protocols and consideration for future scenarios. Although no astronaut has died in space, space agencies like NASA have contingency plans for such events. These plans prioritize the safety of the remaining crew and the prevention of contamination within the spacecraft environment. If a death occurred on the International Space Station (ISS), for instance, the deceased would likely be kept in their pressurized suit and stored in a cool area to prevent decomposition and associated odors.
Options for the final disposition of remains include returning the body to Earth, allowing it to undergo destructive re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere, or jettisoning it into a disposal trajectory. Releasing an intact body into space is generally avoided due to concerns about creating space debris and violating international agreements, such as the principles of the Outer Space Treaty regarding non-contamination and responsible use. Some proposed future concepts involve freezing bodies in space and then using robotic arms to fragment them, which could be a practical solution for long-duration missions with limited storage.