What happens if astronauts run out of oxygen in space? Know what they carry and why it matters

Astronauts rely on a constant supply of oxygen while in space to stay alive, but what happens if that supply runs out in an emergency? Oxygen is essential for breathing, and in the vast expanse of space, there's no air to breathe. To ensure safety, astronauts carry oxygen tanks that are carefully monitored and managed. These tanks are part of a backup system designed to provide enough oxygen during space missions. But in the unlikely event of an emergency, astronauts have to rely on well-planned safety measures. In this article, we’ll explore how astronauts manage oxygen on space missions and what happens if something goes wrong.

In the vacuum of space, where there is no atmosphere, astronauts cannot breathe naturally. Inside spacecraft, oxygen is supplied through carefully designed systems that maintain a breathable environment, allowing astronauts to go about their tasks without needing additional oxygen tanks. However, when astronauts perform spacewalks outside the spacecraft, they need special equipment to survive. Their space suits are equipped with oxygen tanks and filtration systems, providing a continuous supply of breathable air. These suits ensure astronauts have enough oxygen to function and stay safe in the harsh environment of space. This setup is critical for astronaut survival during activities outside the protection of the spacecraft.

If astronauts run out of oxygen in an emergency, it can be a life-threatening situation. Spacecraft and space suits are designed with backup systems to prevent such occurrences, but if oxygen supply is lost, astronauts could experience suffocation due to the lack of breathable air. In space, where there is no atmosphere, the vacuum makes it impossible to breathe without a space suit or spacecraft oxygen systems.
In case of emergency, astronauts have emergency oxygen tanks and portable oxygen cylinders, which they can activate to buy time for rescue or repair. Additionally, the spacecraft is equipped with life-support systems, including carbon dioxide scrubbers, to maintain a safe environment. However, if these systems fail, the astronauts’ best chance of survival is immediate access to backup oxygen and a swift return to a safe environment, either by fixing the issue or by returning to the spacecraft.