Jakarta –
A simulation shows exactly what would happen to a human body if trapped in space. This scenario may just be wishful thinking, but it could happen, considering that recently an astronaut was almost trapped in outer space.
Two NASA astronauts, Barry ‘Butch’ Wilmore and Sunita Williams, have been trapped on the International Space Station (ISS) since June 5, 2024.
The plane they were on experienced a leak in the propulsion system and several of its thrusters failed so they could not return to Earth. Thankfully by now both of them had gotten a ride home. On September 29, the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft docked with the ISS, ready to take them back to Earth in early 2025.
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What happened to Wilmore and Williams confirms that the thought of being trapped in space can occur and often cross our minds.
We’ve also heard of horrific space accidents before, as well as many near misses during ambitious spaceflight missions.
Apart from that, space agencies from various countries and space technology companies are currently competing to explore outer space and have ideas about inhabiting Mars or the Moon.
But, what impact will actually occur on humans due to a vacuum? The YouTube channel The Infographics Show answers that question through a video entitled ‘What Would Happen To Your Body In Space?’.
If we were thrown into the atmosphere without a spacesuit, our first panic response would probably be to hold our breath. However, The Infographics Show says that’s wrong. If we do, the oxygen in the lungs will be broken.
Exhaling as much as possible to empty your lungs is the right way to go. Humans can still survive this way for up to two minutes.
However, in this short time, the water in the body will begin to evaporate due to the lack of atmospheric pressure. Our bodies will begin to swell to twice their current body size.
You will be conscious for about 15 more seconds, until the oxygen in your blood runs out. Next, moisture on the outside of the body, such as the eyes and tongue, will begin to ‘boil’. This condition is more of an extreme evaporation.
If you are in a straight line with the stars, you can experience severe sunburn due to unfiltered solar radiation.
For your information, the temperature in outer space is approximately -455 degrees Celsius. With this temperature, the insulating properties of our skin will keep it warm for quite a long time.
In addition, there is no medium that can release heat in outer space, so the core temperature of our body will remain constant for some time.
However, things get more interesting once we die there. Radiation and extreme temperatures kill the bacteria that would normally decompose our corpses on Earth.
The loss of fluids plus freezing temperatures will leave us in a mummy-like state. This means that our bodies can actually be preserved for millions of years in space.
Maybe that’s the reason why some celebrities like Canadian musician Grimes want to die in space. If the wish of the ex-girlfriend of SpaceX owner Elon Musk comes true, it would be terrifying to imagine the bodies of preserved people floating in space for millions of years. Hiii!
(rns/rns)
Welcome to Space, Where the Only Constant is Panic!
So, let’s talk about being trapped in space. A delightful scenario, isn’t it? Like being stuck in an elevator, but the elevator is the entire universe, and there’s no way out. If you’re wondering what would happen to a human body in the vacuum of space, there’s a video that lays it all out, courtesy of The Infographics Show.
The Real Life Drama of Wilmore and Williams
Can you believe two NASA astronauts, Barry ‘Butch’ Wilmore and Sunita Williams, found themselves trapped on the International Space Station (ISS)? Talk about an uncomfortable Airbnb experience! They were marooned there since June, courtesy of a propulsion system leak that turned their return trip into a cosmic game of “How Long Can You Hold Your Breath?” Thankfully, they managed to hitch a ride back via the SpaceX Dragon on September 29, but can you imagine the fear? While they had their space snacks, I doubt the entertainment options were thrilling!
What Happens When You Go ‘Breathe Deep’ in Space?
Now, let’s shift gears to what actually happens to your body. Ready? It’s less a spa retreat and more a horror movie. You might want to keep that deep breath to yourself. Turns out, if you hold your breath after being exposed to the vacuum of space, you could be in for a nasty surprise. You’d be better off letting that air out like a deflating balloon. In fact, if you’re thrown out without a spacesuit, your body is on a non-stop flight to ‘Why did I sign up for this?’.
Swelling, Boiling, and Other Fun Activities
Picture this: in under two minutes, your body swells like a marshmallow over an open flame thanks to the lack of atmospheric pressure. Like the worst kind of edible! And if that wasn’t enough, the moisture on your body evaporates faster than my will to do cardio. Yes, that means your eyes and tongue are about to have a boiling experience—not the kind you find in a charming recipe book!
The Perks (If You Can Call Them That) of Space Death
Now, let’s have a cheeky gander at what happens after you’ve kickstarted your journey into becoming space dust. Your body becomes a mummy thanks to extreme radiation and frigid temperatures. Think of it like being preserved in the best possible way while floating aimlessly, possibly freaking out future aliens or astronauts. A mummified version of you could persist out there for millions of years. It’s like a cosmic reality show—“Survivor: Space Edition.” Imagine the ratings!
The Grimes Effect
And if you think that’s bizarre, let’s throw Grimes into the mix. This Canadian musician once expressed a wish to “die in space.” A fine aspiration, really, but it does raise the question of how many preserved bodies we’d end up with floating around like the world’s weirdest art installation. “Hey look! Is that an astronaut or just someone who forgot to book a return ticket?”
So, think twice before signing up for that space trip. It’s not all glimmering stars and zero gravity. You could just end up as an oversized marshmallow floating among the twinkling stars. And let’s be honest, folks, nobody wants to be remembered as the person who made space look unglamorous!
Watch the video here for the full gory details!
