How Long Would You Last In Outer Space?

By BrainFall Staff - Updated: April 1, 2024

Imagine you're aboard the Discovery One spaceship, humming along to "Also Sprach Zarathustra" and gazing out at the stars—quite the "2001: A Space Odyssey" moment, right? But as the ultimate quiz of survival beckons, you may wonder how you’d fare in the eerie silence of the cosmos. Could you float like an astronaut, or would the vacuum of space have you tapping out sooner than you can say "Houston, we have a problem"?

Venturing into outer space is no small feat; it's the stuff of dreams and, well, intense training. Astronauts spend years preparing for the rigors of space, where even the simple act of breathing isn't, well, a given. But let's take a wild leap from science fiction to science fact and consider your longevity sans spacesuit. Would you twinkle like a star or succumb to the harsh reality of cosmic solitude?

Before you book that one-way ticket to the stars, let’s unpack the nitty-gritty of just how long you might last amidst the celestial wonders. Remember, space isn't just a final frontier—it's also an unforgiving one. So, buckle up, Space Cadet, and prepare for a journey through the hard truths about survival in the great and boundless void. Just how long would you, a mere Earthling, defy the odds in the ultimate off-planet escapade?

The Inhospitable Embrace of the Cosmos

Before you start packing your bags for that one-way cosmic trip, let's get real about what awaits your tender Earthling body in space. Spoiler alert: it's not a spa retreat.

The Sudden Chill: Temperature and the Human Body

Imagine stepping into a freezer that's, well, way colder than your ex's heart. That's outer space for you. Without the cozy hug of your space suit, your body would face temperatures plunging to about -455°F. Without a heat source, your body's heat energy waves goodbye, which could lead to your fluids turning into an ice pop in minutes.

Out of Air: Vacuum and Pressure Effects

Now, take a deep breath. In space, it's the vacuum that will take your breath away, literally. The absence of air pressure means your lungs get all moody, and without their favorite playmate—oxygen—your bloodstream throws a decompression hissy fit. Blood doesn't 'boil', per se, but let's just say you'd feel a bit like a shaken soda can trying to hold it all in. Not a feeling you’d want to put on your bucket list.

Radiation Roulette: Cosmic Rays and Solar Flares

Think of cosmic rays and solar flares as the universe's own game of high-stakes darts aimed at your DNA. Out there, you're a star-studded magnet for these energetic particles. NASA gets it—they're trying to dodge these microscopic bullets too. While a little radiation sounds like a superhero origin story, you're more likely to sign autographs for cellular autographs of the naughtier kind, like cancer, sans the superpowers.

Galactic Oddities: How Space Can Trick Your Body

Before you strap on your astronaut boots and venture into the great unknown, consider the cosmic quirks and galactic oddities your body would experience. It's not all Star Trek glamor; space has a few tricks up its sleeve that can really throw your body for a loop.

When Blood Doesn't Stick Together: Circulation Woes

Imagine your blood rebelling against you, deciding the heart isn't the boss anymore. In space, without gravity, bodily fluids like your blood have the freedom to roam, leading to a condition humorously termed "puffy face bird legs." Now, while looking like a bewildered sparrow might get you some laughs, the real kicker is the potential for lack of oxygen reaching your precious brain. It's like the body's version of "Can't get enough of that sweet, sweet O2." This carnival ride is all fun and games until your consciousness decides to tap out, and you're not even on the moon yet.

A Gaze into the Void: What Happens to Your Eyes

Peering out into the infinite abyss, you'd expect your eyes to get a visual feast. But here's the not-so-fun part: that same vacuum which makes floating possible can also play merry havoc on your peepers. Space researchers found that extended time on spacewalks could lead to changes in the shape of your eyeballs, blurring your stellar view. You'd be floating along, watching the universe in standard definition while everyone at home gets the HD experience.

The Space Swim: Floating Without Gravity

Ah, the dream of floating without a care in the world—or a gravity to keep you down. As you perform your best space swim around the space station, you'll quickly realize you're not as graceful as you thought. Every attempt to swim is more like an awkward dog paddle, and your heart's working overtime to figure out where all the blood should go now that "down" is no longer a thing. While you might fancy yourself a cosmic Michael Phelps, it's really more akin to being a balloon at a child's birthday party—fun for others to watch, but utterly disorienting for you.