'What to do when an astronaut dies in space' focus of ethical analysis by ASU student

Questions like whether a body left in space can be used as compost, and whether it’s legal to let a corpse drift into the great beyond are posed by Daniel Oberhaus, a senior in Barrett, the Honors College at Arizona State University, in an article for Slate's Future Tense.

In the April 7 piece, “To Boldly Go Where No Body Has Gone Before: What to Do when an Astronaut Dies in Space,” Oberhaus, who will graduate in May with degrees in English and philosophy, provides possible answers to such queries.

He discovers that human body composting has been historically taboo on Earth – and doesn’t make such good fertilizer anyway. On a Martian settlement, earthling matter might contaminate the soil. And allowing a corpse to drift into space (much like a burial at sea) is defined as littering according to a U.N. charter.

While Oberhaus admits these kinds of “what if” exercises seem macabre, they are necessary and even practical as humans begin planning long-term, manned space missions.

“While we probably won’t see boots on Mars for at least another 15-20 years," he writes, “those concerned with planning the early missions are already beginning to consider the host of unique methodological and ethical questions that such a journey will surely entail.”

Oberhaus investigates a Swedish-developed body storage system called “Body Back” which was considered by NASA. He also examines the ethical issues inherent in prioritizing mission success over astronaut safety.

Referencing classic science fiction literature and movies as well as citing advice from experts, Oberhaus makes a compelling case for assessing funereal options well ahead of the launch.

“The experience of losing a loved one and the grieving process that follows is not unique to space,” he said. “All the more reason to give special attention to the impact death and dying has on space travel in the years leading up to the next giant leap for mankind.”

Future Tense is a collaboration among ASU, the New America Foundation and Slate magazine that explores how emerging technologies affect policy and society.