Death In Space: Decomposition And Ethical Challenges

Space, a vast and unforgiving expanse, poses unique challenges to the human body, and the unfortunate event of death introduces complex questions about handling human remains beyond Earth. A deceased astronaut’s body will undergo natural decomposition, but the process is different from the one on Earth because of the unique environment. The critical factor in the process of “death in space” is a spacecraft or spacesuit because it provides a sealed, controlled environment. The vacuum of space can cause body swelling, but a contained suit or craft will prevent this. Dealing with the remains introduces important ethical considerations about the dignity of the deceased and the psychological impact on the crew who are still working in the mission. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has strict protocols that prioritize crew safety, but they also address potential end-of-life scenarios during extended missions.

Space! The very name conjures images of swirling nebulas, distant galaxies, and the intrepid souls who dare to venture beyond our pale blue dot. It’s the ultimate adventure, a siren song for dreamers, scientists, and anyone who’s ever looked up at the night sky and wondered, “What’s out there?” But let’s be real, folks – space is no walk in the park. It’s more like a treacherous marathon across a desert, where the desert is a vacuum and the sun is a giant, angry tanning lamp.

We’re living in a new age of space exploration. With private companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin joining the fray, space travel is becoming less of a government monopoly and more of a… well, a slightly less exclusive club. But with this growing interest comes a serious need to understand what we’re actually getting ourselves into. Space isn’t just cold and empty; it’s actively trying to kill you in a myriad of fascinating and terrifying ways.

So, buckle up, buttercup, because we’re about to embark on a journey through the dark side of space travel. This isn’t your typical starry-eyed view of astronauts planting flags and discovering alien life. We’re diving deep into the causes of death in space, the preventative measures designed to keep our explorers alive, and the sticky ethical dilemmas that arise when things go sideways in orbit.

We’re talking about the inherent risks that lurk in the cosmos, the dangers that make space travel one of the most perilous endeavors humanity has ever undertaken. Forget about traffic jams and bad coffee – in space, your day could be ruined by a rogue asteroid, a malfunctioning spacesuit, or simply running out of air. It is essential to understand these risks, not to scare us away from the stars, but to prepare us for the challenges that lie ahead. The more we know, the better equipped we are to protect our brave explorers and ensure a future where space travel is safer, more sustainable, and maybe even a little less terrifying.

Immediate Threats: The Deadly Grip of Space

Forget Hollywood’s dramatic space explosions (well, not entirely!), let’s talk about the real and immediate dangers astronauts face the second they leave our comfy atmosphere. Space isn’t just empty; it’s actively trying to kill you. And it can happen fast. We’re talking a matter of seconds in some cases. So, buckle up, future space tourists, because we’re diving into the “Oh Crap!” scenarios that keep mission control up at night.

Exposure to Vacuum: Not as Simple as Holding Your Breath!

Ever wondered what would happen if you just, poof, ended up in the vacuum of space? Turns out, it’s more than just needing a really big lungful of air.

• Rapid Decompression and Ebullism: Okay, picture this: your body fluids boiling. Yeah, you read that right. The lack of pressure in space causes the water in your blood and tissues to turn into gas, leading to swelling and some seriously unpleasant effects. This is called ebullism, and it’s as awful as it sounds.
• Asphyxiation and Spacesuit Integrity: No air equals no breathing. Duh, right? But it’s not just about holding your breath. The vacuum actively sucks the air out of your lungs. Spacesuits are literally the only thing standing between you and this cosmic suffocation. Spacesuit integrity is paramount.
• Extreme Temperature Fluctuations: Space is either boiling hot (if the sun’s shining on you) or mind-numbingly cold (if you’re in shadow). Without a spacesuit to regulate temperature, you’re either getting cooked or frozen solid. Talk about extremes!

Lack of Oxygen: Houston, We Have an Oxygen Problem

You’d think keeping the air flowing would be Space Mission 101, but things can go wrong.

• Spacesuit Malfunctions and Oxygen Leaks: Spacesuits are complex pieces of equipment. A tiny puncture, a faulty valve, and suddenly you’re losing precious oxygen.
• Air Supply Failure Within the Spacecraft: A meteorite, technical glitches or any of the various other things that go wrong on the big adventure, can cause a system failure and oxygen supply inside a spacecraft.

Decompression: Explosive Events and Their Consequences

Think a popped balloon is loud? Imagine that on the scale of a spacecraft. Decompression is no joke.

• Causes and Prevention of Explosive Decompression: Structural failure, collisions with space debris, equipment malfunction these can all lead to a rapid and dangerous loss of pressure. Prevention is everything – meticulous design, regular inspections, and praying to the space gods!

Mechanical Failure: When Gadgets Go Bad

We rely on technology to survive in space, but what happens when the tech breaks down?

• Spacesuit Failures: Pressure Regulation, Oxygen Supply, and Temperature Control: Spacesuits are complex machines, and failure in any of these systems can quickly become fatal.
• Spacecraft System Failures (Life Support, Navigation, etc.): From life support to navigation, every system on a spacecraft is critical. Failure can lead to disaster.

Radiation: An Invisible But Potent Killer

You can’t see it, you can’t feel it (at first), but radiation in space is a constant and deadly threat.

• Acute Radiation Sickness During Solar Flares: Solar flares are like cosmic tantrums, blasting out massive amounts of radiation. If an astronaut gets caught in one without adequate shielding, the results can be devastating, leading to acute radiation sickness.
• Long-Term Health Effects and Cancer Risks From Prolonged Exposure: Even low levels of radiation exposure over long periods can increase the risk of cancer and other health problems. This is a major concern for long-duration missions.

Long-Term Risks: The Silent Dangers of Space Travel

Okay, so we’ve dodged the immediate bullets of space – no explosive decompressions, thank you very much! But what about the dangers that creep up on you, the silent assassins of extended space travel? Think of it as moving into a house that seems perfect at first, then you notice the leaky roof, the wonky wiring, and the interesting smells coming from the basement. Space has its own brand of those, only way more serious! We’re talking about the kinds of risks that, over months or years, can turn a dream mission into a nightmare scenario. So, buckle up, because we’re diving into the long game of space peril!

Physical Trauma: It’s a Bumper Car Ride Out There!

Space might seem like a vast, empty playground, but it’s more like a cosmic demolition derby. We’re not just talking about getting bumped, either.

Impact from Space Debris: Avoiding Cosmic Gravel

Imagine driving on a highway where every pebble is a potentially catastrophic projectile moving at thousands of miles per hour. That’s space debris. From discarded rocket parts to tiny flecks of paint, this junk can cause serious damage to spacecraft. We’ll discuss:

• Risk assessment: How scientists track and evaluate the threat posed by space debris.
• Mitigation strategies: The measures taken to shield spacecraft and avoid collisions. It’s like playing a high-stakes game of space dodgeball, but the balls are made of metal and the consequences are slightly more severe.

Accidents Inside the Spacecraft or During Spacewalks: Murphy’s Law in Zero-G

What happens when you mix zero gravity with complex machinery and human error? A recipe for accidents, that’s what!

• We’re talking about everything from a dropped wrench (which now becomes a lethal projectile) to a tumble during a spacewalk that sends you spinning into the void.

Landing and Re-Entry Accidents: The Grand Finale…Or Not

Landing and re-entry are arguably the most dangerous phases of any space mission. Slamming back into Earth’s atmosphere at hypersonic speeds generates intense heat and puts immense stress on the spacecraft.

• We’ll look at the risks involved, and how engineers work tirelessly to ensure a safe return. Let’s just say a smooth landing is the goal, not a fiery meteor-like disintegration.

Medical Emergencies: Houston, We Have a Problem…Again

Out in space, there’s no 911 to call, and your health insurance is basically useless. A medical emergency becomes a whole different beast when you’re millions of miles from the nearest hospital.

Heart Attacks, Strokes, and Other Acute Conditions: The Body’s Betrayal

Imagine having a heart attack in zero gravity, with only your crewmates (who are probably engineers, not doctors) to help. The challenge is that:

• Common conditions become life-threatening very quickly, requiring immediate and effective intervention.
• We’ll examine the medical equipment and training that astronauts receive to handle these crises, turning them into space-faring paramedics.

Infections and the Challenge of Treatment in Space: Germ Warfare, Interstellar Edition

Your immune system takes a beating in space, making you more susceptible to infections. And treating those infections? Not exactly a walk in the park when your pharmacy is a few carefully curated boxes of supplies.

• We’ll discuss the unique challenges of combating infections in space. Let’s just say, hand sanitizer is a very precious commodity.

Psychological Factors: “Space Madness” and Other Mental Mishaps

Space isn’t just hard on the body, it’s a real head-trip, too.

Isolation and Its Effects on Mental Health: Cabin Fever, Cosmic Style

Being confined to a small space with the same few people for months or years can do a number on your mind.

• We’ll look at the effects of isolation, loneliness, and sensory deprivation on mental well-being. Think The Shining, but in orbit.

Stress, Anxiety, and “Space Madness”: When Reality Warps

The constant pressure of performing flawlessly, coupled with the inherent dangers of space travel, can lead to serious stress and anxiety.

• In extreme cases, it can even trigger “space madness,” a psychological breakdown that can jeopardize the entire mission.
• We’ll explore how NASA and other space agencies prepare astronauts for these mental challenges, arming them with coping strategies and psychological support.

Starvation/Dehydration: When the Snack Machine Breaks Down

In space, you can’t just pop down to the corner store for a sandwich. If your life support systems fail, or if a supply mission goes awry, you could be facing a very grim situation.

Malfunction of Life Support Systems: When Technology Turns on You

The life support system is what keeps you alive – providing oxygen, removing carbon dioxide, and recycling water. If it breaks down:

• You’re in serious trouble.
• We’ll discuss the redundancy measures in place to prevent such failures, but also the harsh reality of what happens when those backups fail too.

Disrupted Supply Missions: When Amazon Can’t Deliver

Relying on regular resupply missions to bring food, water, and other essentials is a risky proposition.

• A launch failure, a technical glitch, or even a simple miscalculation can leave astronauts stranded and starving. It’s a bit like waiting for that crucial Amazon package, only the stakes are life and death.

Freezing/Overheating: When Space Turns Into a Sauna or a Freezer

Maintaining a comfortable temperature is vital for survival in space. If the temperature regulation systems go haywire:

Malfunction of Temperature Regulation Systems: The Cosmic Thermostat Broke

If the system fails, astronauts could face:

• Extreme temperatures.
• We’ll examine the tech designed to keep things comfy.

So, there you have it: the long-term, slow-burn dangers of space travel. It’s not just about dodging asteroids and surviving explosive decompression – it’s about enduring the isolation, fighting off space germs, and hoping the snack machine doesn’t break down. Space is awesome, but it’s also relentlessly trying to kill you.

Technology: The Shield Against the Void

So, you wanna be an astronaut, huh? Cool! But before you go blasting off into the cosmos, let’s talk about the tech that keeps you from becoming a human popsicle or, you know, just plain gone! Space isn’t exactly the most hospitable place. It’s cold, empty, and full of radiation that would make a microwave blush. That’s where our trusty tech comes in to shield astronauts from certain doom. Think of it as their Bat-Suit, but instead of fighting crime, it’s fighting the void.

Spacesuits: The First Line of Defense

Let’s start with the iconic spacesuit. This isn’t just some fancy jumpsuit; it’s a personal spacecraft designed to keep you alive and kicking in the harshest environments imaginable. Every stitch, every zipper, every layer has a purpose.

• Critical Design Elements:
  • Pressure Regulation: Imagine the vacuum of space trying to suck the air right out of your lungs – not fun, right? Spacesuits maintain a constant pressure to keep your insides where they belong.
  • Oxygen Supply: Breathing is kind of important, wouldn’t you agree? Spacesuits pack their own oxygen supply to keep your brain happy and functioning.
  • Temperature Control: Space is either scorching hot or mind-numbingly cold. Spacesuits have built-in climate control to keep astronauts at a comfy room temperature.
  • Radiation Shielding: Space is full of harmful radiation that can cause all sorts of problems. Spacesuits have special layers to block out the worst of it.

Life Support Systems: Creating a Habitable Environment

Okay, so you’re inside your spacesuit, all snug and protected. But what about when you’re inside the spacecraft for extended periods? That’s where life support systems come in. These are the unsung heroes that keep the spacecraft feeling like home (well, a very high-tech, compact home).

• Oxygen Generation and CO2 Removal: Humans breathe in oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide. In a closed environment, that CO2 would quickly become a problem. Life support systems regenerate oxygen and scrub out CO2, keeping the air breathable.
• Water Recycling and Waste Management: Water is precious in space. Life support systems recycle water from all sorts of sources (including, yes, urine) to keep astronauts hydrated. They also handle waste management, because, well, someone has to!

Radiation Monitoring Equipment: Detecting and Mitigating Radiation Threats

We talked about spacesuits shielding from radiation, but what about monitoring it? You can’t fight what you can’t see, right? That’s where radiation monitoring equipment comes in.

• Dosimeters and Sensors for Solar Flares and Radiation Events: These gadgets are like radiation weather forecasters. They measure radiation levels and alert astronauts to dangerous solar flares or other radiation events, giving them time to take shelter.

Emergency Procedures: When Things Go Sideways

Space, as beautiful and awe-inspiring as it is, doesn’t exactly come with a “Help” button readily available. That’s why a massive amount of planning and resources are poured into developing emergency protocols, specifically designed for the unique challenges space throws at astronauts.

• Medical emergencies in space are a different ball game. Imagine performing surgery while floating! Astronauts receive extensive medical training, and missions carry detailed medical kits, but the limited resources and lack of immediate evacuation options mean quick thinking and improvisation are key. Protocols dictate how to diagnose, treat, and stabilize a crew member until (hopefully) they can get back to Earth. But what if something goes really wrong? What are the limitations, and what are the difficult decisions that might need to be made?

• A breach in spacecraft integrity? That’s a nightmare scenario. Rapid response is critical. Protocols involve immediate sealing of compartments, donning emergency suits, and assessing the damage. Drills and simulations are constantly practiced to ensure everyone knows their role and can act without hesitation. Time is literally of the essence.

• Then there’s the terrifying prospect of losing contact with ground control. Imagine being completely alone, millions of miles from Earth. Contingency plans are in place for such events, outlining how to maintain life support, navigate, and attempt to re-establish communication. It’s all about being self-sufficient and resourceful when the lifeline to Earth is severed.

NASA: Guardians of the Astronauts

NASA isn’t just about rockets and exploration; it’s also a world leader in astronaut safety. They’re like the ultimate space parents, ensuring their astronauts are as prepared as humanly possible.

Rigorous training programs are at the heart of NASA’s approach. Astronauts endure countless hours of simulations, emergency drills, and survival training. They learn everything from piloting spacecraft to performing complex repairs in zero gravity. They’re trained to handle almost any situation, and even those that seem impossible.

NASA also develops and enforces strict protocols for every aspect of space missions, from pre-launch preparations to post-flight recovery. These protocols are constantly reviewed and updated based on new data and lessons learned from past missions. It’s an ongoing commitment to make space travel as safe as it can be.

ESA: Europe’s Dedication to Safe Exploration

Across the Atlantic, the European Space Agency (ESA) shares that commitment to astronaut safety. ESA works closely with NASA and other international partners to develop and implement safety standards for space missions. They too, heavily invests in astronaut training, spacecraft design, and emergency response capabilities.

ESA’s contributions to life support systems, radiation shielding, and astronaut health monitoring are vital to ensuring the well-being of European astronauts and those from other nations who participate in collaborative missions. It’s all about working together to push the boundaries of space exploration while protecting the brave individuals who venture into the unknown.

Ethical and Legal Minefields: Death, Ownership, and Dilemmas in Orbit

Space, that infinite expanse we’re all so keen to explore, isn’t just about discovering new galaxies and possibly stumbling upon alien life forms; it’s also a hotbed of ethical and legal head-scratchers, especially when we start thinking about the inevitable – death. What happens when the ultimate frontier becomes someone’s final resting place? Buckle up, because we’re diving into a world where space law collides with some seriously heavy moral questions.

Space Law: Governance Beyond Earth

So, who makes the rules up there in the big, empty void? Well, it’s a bit of a cosmic cocktail of international treaties and agreements. These documents, crafted by nations, try to lay the groundwork for how we should behave in space. Think of them as the “do’s and don’ts” of space exploration. But what happens when something goes wrong, tragically wrong? That’s where things get sticky. The treaties attempt to address liability for damages if a rogue satellite crashes into someone’s property (or another satellite!), and they even touch on the treatment of human remains—a topic that gets pretty complicated pretty fast.

Ethical Dilemmas: Moral Quandaries in Space

Imagine being on a mission to Mars, and resources are dwindling. Do you prioritize the young, promising astronaut over the seasoned veteran? These are the kinds of gut-wrenching decisions that could arise. Ethical dilemmas in space aren’t abstract thought experiments; they’re real possibilities. Resource allocation during emergencies, the thorny issue of end-of-life care when you’re millions of miles from Earth, and even the basic rights of deceased astronauts – these are all areas where our Earth-bound moral compass might need a serious recalibration.

Ownership of Remains: Legal and Cultural Aspects

And then there’s the question of who owns what. In this case, who owns the remains of an astronaut who passes away in space? Is it the country that launched the mission? The astronaut’s family? Or does the body become property of the cosmos? This isn’t just a legal question; it’s deeply rooted in cultural and personal beliefs. Different cultures have varying traditions and beliefs about death and burial, and these traditions might be tough to uphold when the “burial ground” is an orbiting spacecraft or the Martian surface.

Body’s Betrayal: The Human Body’s Breaking Point in Space

So, you’ve always dreamed of being an astronaut, huh? Picture yourself floating among the stars, gazing at Earth from afar. Sounds idyllic, right? Well, hold on to your helmet, because what they don’t show you in the movies is how space really messes with your body and mind. Space is a harsh mistress, and it doesn’t just throw cosmic rays and exploding asteroids your way; it also wages a sneaky, internal war against the very thing keeping you alive: you.

Mental Health: Houston, We Have a (Mind) Problem

Imagine being stuck in a can with a few other people, millions of miles away from everything familiar, for months or even years. No fresh air, no green grass, no loved ones. Sounds like the plot of a psychological thriller, doesn’t it? The isolation and confinement of space travel can do a number on your mental state. Astronauts can experience:

• Increased Stress and Anxiety: The pressure of the mission and the constant awareness of danger can take a toll.
• Depression: The lack of natural light, social interaction, and familiar surroundings can lead to feelings of sadness and hopelessness.
• Sleep Disturbances: Circadian rhythms get thrown out of whack, leading to insomnia and fatigue.
• “Space Madness”: A catch-all term for the extreme psychological effects of long-duration space travel, including paranoia, hallucinations, and impaired judgment.

Immune System Suppression: Space Germs vs. Astronauts

Remember that time you caught a cold on vacation? Now imagine getting sick in space, where medical resources are limited and your immune system is already compromised. Space travel has been shown to weaken the immune system, making astronauts more susceptible to infections. This is due to a combination of factors:

• Radiation: Exposure to cosmic radiation can damage immune cells.
• Stress: Chronic stress hormones can suppress immune function.
• Microgravity: Altered gravity affects immune cell activity.

Bone Density Loss: Gravity? Never Heard of Her

On Earth, gravity keeps our bones strong. In space, however, the lack of gravity causes bones to lose density at an alarming rate. Astronauts can lose 1-2% of their bone mass per month in space, which is equivalent to the bone loss experienced by elderly people on Earth in a year. This increases the risk of fractures and osteoporosis later in life. Think of it as your body deciding that if it’s not going to be used, it’s going to be disassembled for parts.

Muscle Atrophy: Use It or Lose It

Just like bones, muscles also weaken in space due to the lack of gravity. On Earth, we constantly use our muscles to stand, walk, and move around. In space, however, astronauts float around effortlessly, and their muscles don’t have to work as hard. As a result, muscles atrophy, or waste away. Astronauts can lose up to 20% of their muscle mass in just a few weeks in space. It’s like your body is saying, “Why bother lugging around all this meat if we’re just going to float anyway?”

Lessons from Tragedy: Learning from Past Disasters

Space exploration, as exhilarating as it is, has a somber chapter: the tragedies that have shaped its course. To move forward, we must look back at the events that tested our resolve, exposed our vulnerabilities, and taught us invaluable lessons about the fragility of life in the cosmos. These aren’t just stories of loss; they’re case studies in systemic failure, human error, and the unforgiving nature of space.

Space Shuttle Challenger Disaster: A Lesson in System Redundancy and Risk Assessment

On January 28, 1986, the Space Shuttle Challenger broke apart just 73 seconds into its flight, claiming the lives of all seven astronauts onboard. The cause? A faulty O-ring, a seemingly insignificant component that failed due to cold temperatures.

But the Challenger disaster was more than just a mechanical failure; it was a failure of risk assessment. Engineers had warned about the potential dangers of launching in cold weather, but their concerns were overridden. This tragedy highlighted the critical need for system redundancy, where backup systems are in place to compensate for potential failures, and a rigorous, unbiased assessment of risks, even when faced with pressure to proceed. It was a stark reminder that in space, there’s no room for complacency.

Space Shuttle Columbia Disaster: Highlighting the Dangers of Re-Entry and Material Fatigue

Seventeen years later, on February 1, 2003, the Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrated during re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere, killing all seven astronauts. The culprit was a piece of foam insulation that had broken off during launch and damaged the shuttle’s thermal protection system.

During re-entry, the damaged area allowed superheated atmospheric gases to penetrate the shuttle’s structure, leading to its catastrophic breakup. The Columbia disaster underscored the critical importance of meticulous inspection and maintenance, and the potentially devastating consequences of material fatigue and seemingly minor damage when exposed to the extreme stresses of space travel.

The Columbia disaster also spotlighted the need for improved re-entry procedures and technologies. It served as a harsh lesson in the unforgiving nature of physics and the necessity of understanding every potential failure point in a complex system.

These tragedies, while deeply painful, have been instrumental in shaping the future of space exploration. They have led to significant improvements in safety protocols, risk assessment, and engineering design. By understanding the mistakes of the past, we can strive to create a future where space travel is not only awe-inspiring but also as safe as humanly possible.

Future Horizons, Future Hazards: The Challenges Ahead

Space, the ultimate playground for human curiosity, is calling us to Mars! But before we pack our bags (and space suits), let’s talk about the real deal: the daunting challenges that await us on these epic journeys.

Future Mars Missions: Long-Duration Space Travel and Its Unique Challenges

Think a weekend camping trip is rough? Try spending years crammed in a tin can hurtling millions of miles through the void! Mars missions are no joke, and they come with a hefty list of potential problems:

• Extended Isolation: Imagine being stuck with the same few people for years. Movie nights and potlucks can only go so far before cabin fever kicks in, right? We need to figure out how to keep astronauts mentally sharp and emotionally stable when they’re further from home than anyone has ever been.
• Resource Management: Forget popping to the grocery store. Every drop of water, every bite of food, and every watt of power needs to be carefully managed and, ideally, recycled. We need to develop ultra-efficient life support systems and figure out how to live off the land (or, in this case, the Martian soil!).
• Health Risks: Long-term exposure to radiation, microgravity, and the sheer stress of space travel can wreak havoc on the human body. From bone loss to weakened immune systems, astronauts will face a barrage of health challenges. We need to develop countermeasures and advanced medical technologies to keep them healthy and functioning.
• Communication Delays: Forget instant messaging. Communication with Earth will be delayed by minutes, meaning astronauts need to be able to handle emergencies and make critical decisions on their own.
• Equipment Reliability: Out in deep space, there’s no AAA roadside assistance. Every piece of equipment needs to be ultra-reliable and easy to repair. We need to design robust systems with built-in redundancy to minimize the risk of catastrophic failures.

Ethical and Moral Issues

As we venture further into space, we’re not just facing technical challenges, but also some serious ethical dilemmas:

• Resource Allocation: If things go south, who gets what? How do we decide who gets the last oxygen tank or the limited supply of medicine? These are tough questions with no easy answers.
• Crew Selection: Who gets to go? Should we prioritize scientific expertise, physical strength, or psychological resilience? How do we ensure fairness and diversity in crew selection?
• End-of-Life Care: Let’s face it, space is a dangerous place. What happens if someone gets seriously ill or injured on a Mars mission? How do we provide end-of-life care in such a remote and resource-constrained environment? What are the ethical considerations surrounding death and burial in space?
• Planetary Protection: How do we ensure that we don’t contaminate Mars with Earth microbes (or vice versa)? The question of protecting planets that could potentially harbor life is paramount.
• The Cost of Human Lives: How much risk is acceptable? Is the scientific knowledge gained worth the possibility of losing human lives? Where do we draw the line?

So, next time you’re stargazing, maybe give a little thought to what’s floating out there between the constellations. It’s a wild universe, and even in death, space offers a pretty unique final frontier, huh?