For those of us grounded on Earth, the idea of death is usually not intertwined with the harsh realities of outer space—conditions like zero gravity, chilling temperatures, and the vacuum of space. However, for NASA, every imaginable scenario related to space travel—including the harrowing possibility of an astronaut dying among the stars—needs to be meticulously planned for. This somber topic has been brought to light by former International Space Station (ISS) commander Chris Hadfield in an interview with Popular Science, revealing how NASA prepares for the unthinkable.

The Terrifying Reality of Spacewalks Gone Awry

Picture this: an astronaut tragically dies during an EVA (extravehicular activity), commonly known as a spacewalk. According to Hadfield, the first course of action is to retrieve the deceased astronaut and bring their body back inside the airlock. However, the distinct challenge here is the decomposition process in zero gravity, which could prove to be disastrous for the remaining crew members. "We don’t want the smell of rotting meat or off-gassing," Hadfield emphasizes. To prevent contamination, the body would need to remain in its spacesuit and likely be stored in a cold area onboard the ISS, potentially a makeshift morgue.

Unsettling Options for Handling Death in Space

NASA’s protocol titled ‘Mortality Related to Human Spaceflight’ outlines three methods for dealing with an astronaut’s remains: 1. **Return to Earth**: While this is the preferred method, logistical challenges may make it unfeasible. 2. **Jettisoning into Space**: Although it might appear to be a practical solution, this violates international space laws governing debris and would present diplomatic complications. 3. **Destructive Re-entry**: This option essentially incinerates the body upon re-entering Earth’s atmosphere, but it too raises ethical concerns and risks.

A Chilling Innovation: Breaking Down the Body in Space

To navigate these precarious scenarios, NASA scientists have theorized a chilling method: reducing the body to manageable fragments. This method would involve sealing the remains in a specialized bag and freezing them with the extreme temperatures found in space. A robotic arm would then vibrate the body into tiny pieces, making it easier to store and transport. This grim strategy may sound like the premise of a dark science fiction story, but space presents unique challenges that leave little room for error when handling remains.

What If Death Strikes on the Moon?

The complexity escalates further if an astronaut dies on the lunar surface. With the absence of Earth’s bacteria and moisture, a body would remain eerily preserved. However, leaving it there simply wouldn’t be acceptable. NASA’s commitment to planetary protection, which aims to avert contamination of other celestial bodies, requires the retrieval of the body, complicating an already distressing situation.

The Emotional Burden Beyond Logistics

Despite having protocols for numerous scenarios, NASA acknowledges the one aspect they cannot simulate: the emotional toll of losing an astronaut in space. For astronauts, death far from home presents not just a logistical nightmare, but also an intense existential crisis. Ultimately, NASA’s best-case scenario is to ensure that such tragic events occur only on solid ground, where the complexities surrounding death can be managed with greater compassion. Space might be the final frontier, but confronting the ways we handle mortality in the cosmos reminds us that humanity’s greatest explorations come with equally profound responsibilities.