Could NASA Start the Zombie Apocalypse?

TL;DR

Space conditions could lead to a zombie apocalypse scenario.

Transcript

[MUSIC PLAYING] Movies, books, and TV shows paint fairly gruesome pictures of a zombie plague. But they are usually vague about precisely how the epidemic begins. Today, I want to discuss a potential back story that's less ridiculous than it sounds. Could a zombie apocalypse start with a routine trip to space? [MUSIC PLAYING] In some stories, zombi... Read More

Key Insights

• Zombies in fiction often spread rapidly due to an infectious disease, similar to real-world epidemics.
• NASA has not yet explored zombie scenarios, unlike other agencies like the CDC and Pentagon.
• Spaceflight can increase the virulence of bacteria, as seen in experiments with salmonella.
• Viruses may become more potent in space due to changes in their structure and weakened human immune systems.
• Space tourism could increase the risk of infectious diseases spreading in space.
• Complete sterilization in space missions is impossible, posing a risk of microbial contamination.
• Space agencies must address infectious disease challenges to expand human presence in space.
• The concept of a zombie apocalypse originating from space is plausible due to unique space conditions.

Questions & Answers

Q: How could a zombie apocalypse start in space?

A zombie apocalypse could start in space due to the unique conditions that affect pathogens in orbit. Spaceflight can increase the virulence of bacteria and viruses, and the human immune system weakens in space. These factors create a potential for a zombie-like outbreak if a pathogen were to mutate or become more potent in space.

Q: Why is complete sterilization impossible for space missions?

Complete sterilization is impossible for space missions because even with thorough procedures, such as clean rooms and sterilization techniques, it is not feasible to eliminate all microbes. For instance, NASA's Curiosity rover was estimated to harbor a few hundred thousand microbes despite efforts to sterilize it before its launch to Mars.

Q: What role does space tourism play in the risk of space-originated diseases?

Space tourism could increase the risk of space-originated diseases because it involves sending more people, who are not professional astronauts, into orbit. This creates a larger 'petri dish' environment where infectious diseases could spread more easily, especially if pathogens become more virulent in space.

Q: How do space conditions affect bacteria and viruses?

Space conditions can make bacteria and viruses more virulent. Experiments have shown that bacteria like salmonella become more deadly after spaceflight, and viruses may have altered structures in microgravity. Additionally, the human immune system weakens in space, which can exacerbate the effects of these pathogens.

Q: What are some measures taken by NASA to prevent microbial contamination?

NASA employs thorough quarantine and sterilization procedures to minimize microbial contamination in space missions. This includes using clean rooms and sterilization techniques for equipment and spacecraft. However, achieving 100% sterilization is not possible, and some microbes inevitably remain.

Q: Why might space agencies need to address infectious disease challenges?

Space agencies need to address infectious disease challenges to ensure the safety and health of astronauts and future space tourists. As human presence in space expands, understanding and mitigating the risks of pathogens becoming more virulent in space is crucial to prevent potential outbreaks.

Q: What fictional elements are considered in the video?

The video considers the fictional elements of a zombie apocalypse, such as reanimation, while discussing the plausible aspects of a space-originated epidemic. It suggests that while reanimation is fictional, the idea of a pathogen becoming more potent in space is a realistic concern.

Q: How does the video engage viewers in the discussion?

The video engages viewers by encouraging them to think about space as a potential origin for a zombie apocalypse and to share their thoughts and scenarios in the comments. It invites viewers to participate in the discussion and consider how space conditions could lead to a fictional outbreak.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The video explores the possibility of a zombie apocalypse originating from space due to the unique conditions that affect pathogens in orbit. Spaceflight can make bacteria and viruses more virulent, and the human immune system weakens in space, creating potential for a zombie-like outbreak.

• NASA's current sterilization and quarantine procedures cannot guarantee zero microbial contamination, and future space tourism could exacerbate the risk of infectious diseases spreading in space. This scenario could serve as a plot device for a space-based zombie apocalypse story.

• The video suggests that while the reanimation aspect of zombies is fictional, the idea of a space-originated epidemic is not far-fetched. The discussion encourages viewers to consider space as a potential origin for a zombie apocalypse and to share their thoughts on the topic.