NASA has long prepared for the unthinkable scenario where an astronaut dies on the International Space Station (ISS). The agency’s current protocols involve using a modified military-grade body called the Human Remains Containment Unit (HRCU), designed to slow human decomposition in space. If used, the HRCU would be integrated into the ISS’s refrigeration system and equipped with absorbent lining and charcoal filter canisters.
In the event of an in-flight death, NASA crews are trained to conduct In-Mission Forensic Sample Collection, photographing the body and collecting samples for analysis. A simple ceremony would allow the crew to grieve, and the remains would be returned to Earth.
The protocol’s purpose extends beyond personal respect and crew well-being; it also mitigates public impact. Past space tragedies, such as the Apollo 1 and Space Shuttle Columbia disasters, have demonstrated the severe consequences of loss on society. To address this, NASA has developed contingency plans, including a speech prepared by President Richard Nixon’s speechwriter, Bill Safire.
These measures aim to minimize the shock and grief caused by a tragic event in space, ensuring that the memory of the deceased astronaut is honored while also prioritizing the safety and dignity of those left behind.
Source: https://www.jalopnik.com/1879088/how-nasa-plans-to-deal-with-death-in-space