Anything can happen in the NASA International Space Station. Although space agencies send their most optimal astronauts, without any health problems, it is impossible to predict the unfortunate events of life. Death can come unexpectedly, so the rest of the crew must be prepared to execute their protocols.
But what about the body? Have you ever wondered if the same thing happens on Earth. In the end, it is nothing more than the death of a person, that is, it is the same fate of all living beings on the planet.
However, the reality is different. The astronaut’s body, in the event of death, would react very differently when in space, clearly.
If a person dies in space, their body will break down differently than it would on Earth. On the planet, gravity helps body fluids stay in place.
While in space, bodily fluids will be distributed throughout the body, causing the body itself to swell and look puffy. The muscles will also atrophy and the skin will become dry and wrinkled.
The body of a person who dies in space will also degrade faster than on Earth. This is due to exposure to cosmic radiation, which can damage cells and DNA. It also breaks down faster because there are no bacteria present in the space to help break it down.
NASA protocol for these eventualities is to incinerate and seal in an airtight container, so that it disintegrates and turns into dust. The debris is scattered through space and will eventually mix with dust from other celestial bodies.