Although science continues to make new discoveries about space, it remains a place full of unsolved mysteries. For the same reason, there is always a certain amount of risk for those who dedicate their lives to space travel.
Given, the Space suits They become an important part Astronauts Manage to escape hostile situations. They provide them with oxygen, optimal temperature and protection from the sun's rays so that they can safely travel short distances in space.
But have you ever wondered how long an astronaut can survive without that all-important suit?
In a recent interview he gave to the portal Direct sciencesaid Stephen de May, a senior official at the European Space Agency (ESA), which coordinates human and robotic exploration. The human body can withstand very little in space without any protection.
“In a very short period of time, between 10 and 15 seconds, you will lose consciousness due to lack of oxygen,” the expert said.
Even holding your breath is not a good idea because in these conditions the oxygen expands and causes a tear in the lungs. “This can cause the blood to boil and bubble, which can immediately cause an embolism and have a fatal impact on the body,” De May said.
The ESA expert stresses that lack of pressure can cause other serious problems, such as bodily fluids – urine, saliva or tears – starting to boil.
Radiation, dust particles and even debris in the outer environment pose great danger to human life. “That's why spacesuits are designed to provide physical protection to astronauts in space,” emphasizes the expert.
As soon as the blood is depleted of oxygen, unconsciousness and brain death are the immediate fate. All this happens in seconds. The only hope would be for the victim to be rescued and returned to the spacecraft, where conditions are favorable for resuscitation, but that is not absolutely certain.
