How Would a Body Die in Outer Space?

**mf3201d** · Mar30-09, 02:59 PM

I'm doing research for a sci-novel I'm writing.

I've read various answers to this question, but, how would a human body die in outer space if it were jetisoned from a ship, with no protective suit?

Would it freeze to death? Suffocate? Explode? All of the above?

And what's the sequence of biological events?

**DaveC426913** · Mar30-09, 03:18 PM

This has been discussed many times on this forum.

The victim would fall unconscious after about 30 seconds and then die of suffocation.

Here's a sci-am article that discusses the topic in detail:
http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?id=...sc=WR_20080219

**DaveC426913** · May3-09, 09:27 PM

Originally Posted by bio4ata

Under extremely low pressure air trapped in the lungs expands, tearing the tender gas-exchange tissues. This is especially grave if you are holding your breath or inhaling deeply when the pressure drops.

While this is true, your lungs are no longer of any use in the few minutes you have left to live.

**gabrielh** · May6-09, 08:27 AM

Originally Posted by DaveC426913

While this is true, your lungs are no longer of any use in the few minutes you have left to live.

I've heard that your blood would essentially boil, or vaporize. Is this true?

**DaveC426913** · May6-09, 09:51 AM

Originally Posted by gabrielh

I've heard that your blood would essentially boil, or vaporize. Is this true?

No. Your fluids are contained by your skin; they are not exposed directly to vacuum.

**sylas** · May6-09, 09:57 AM

See also another thread: This first thing that Kills a human in Space?.

**gabrielh** · May6-09, 04:31 PM

Originally Posted by DaveC426913

No. Your fluids are contained by your skin; they are not exposed directly to vacuum.

Thank you for the clarification.