Imagine being stranded in space without a suit—an astronaut’s worst nightmare. A recent simulation created by a YouTube channel vividly illustrates the terrifying reality of this scenario.
Spoiler alert: it’s just as horrifying as you might think.
Will the Body Really Explode in Space?
What Happens Contrary to popular belief, the human body wouldn’t explode in space. However, what does happen might be even more disturbing. The video explains that within seconds, the gases inside the body would begin to expand, causing the lung tissues to rupture. It’s a grim start to what would be a fatal experience.to Body Fluids in a Vacuum?
Without atmospheric pressure, the water on the surface of the eyes, skin, and mouth would start to evaporate. Worse still, the water in your blood would begin to boil. The simulation shows the body swelling as the skin, being elastic, expands to its limit. It’s a gruesome visual that highlights the fatal effects of space exposure.
How Does the Heart Respond in Space?
Ultimately, the heart slows down and stops, leading to death by asphyxiation. The simulation leaves little to the imagination, showing the catastrophic consequences of being exposed to the vacuum of space without protection.
Why is Space So Dangerous?
Dr. Kris Lehnhardt, an element scientist for NASA’s Human Research Program, emphasizes the seriousness of this issue. “Given that 60 percent of the human body is made up of water, this is a serious problem,” Lehnhardt told Live Science. As the water in the body turns into gas, the tissues expand, making space an inhospitable environment for humans.
Has Anyone Ever Experienced This?
A close call occurred in 1966 when NASA aerospace engineer Jim LeBlanc was testing spacesuits in a vacuum chamber. When his pressurized air hose disconnected, LeBlanc felt the horrifying effects almost immediately. “I could feel the saliva on my tongue starting to bubble just before I went unconscious,” he recalled. Thankfully, he survived, but the experience remains a stark reminder of the dangers of space.
Why Do People Still Want to Explore Space?
Despite these dangers, the allure of space exploration continues to draw people in. But this simulation is a sobering reminder of just how unforgiving space can be, especially without the proper protection.
