Skip to main content
5 of 15
does this better fit your intended question? If not feel free to rollback and try again.
BrendanLuke15
  • 10.1k
  • 2
  • 27
  • 83

How long can I stay warm in space?

Suppose I float in a dark part of space (no incident radiation source), after I have been displaced from my spaceship. I have my pressure suit but I have lost all power (no more heat source, no more fresh oxygen). How long can I stay alive? Will I freeze or suffocate first? Does it help me to move wildly (to generate heat)?

Base Assumptions:

  • me and the air in my suit is initially at normal body temperature (310 K, 37°C)
  • the temperature of space around me is background levels (2.7 K)
  • 0.2 bar pure oxygen suit environment OR mixed gases (78% $N_2$, 21% $O_2$)

(editors note: significant change in question wording from original)