The Impact of Civilizational Collapse on the International Space Station

Imagine a world where civilization as we know it has been irreparably destroyed. What happens to the International Space Station (ISS) in such a scenario? In the absence of a direct nuclear attack, the ISS would remain intact, but its survival would largely depend on the availability of supplies and the determination of its astronauts.

Indirect Consequences of a Nuclear War

A nuclear war, while not having a direct impact on the ISS, would indirectly affect the station through supply missions. Deteriorating global stability and infrastructure breakdown could disrupt the regular supply ships that keep the ISS operational. Without these supplies, the astronauts on board would face a range of critical challenges.

Resource Dependence and Shortage

The ISS has limited capacity for a self-sustaining environment, relying on recycled wastewater and CO2 scrubbers. Oxygen and food must be continuously supplied to the crew, who have limited medical resources to handle emergencies. After a few months without regular resupply missions, the situation would become untenable.

Orbital Decay

The ISS relies on periodic orbital adjustments to maintain its altitude. As the thrusters run out of fuel, the station's orbit would decay. Without intervention, the ISS would eventually re-enter Earth's atmosphere, leading to a fiery destruction.

Emergency Evacuation and Survival

In anticipation of widespread disaster on Earth, Soyuz capsules are always attached to the ISS, providing the astronauts with a potential means of re-entry in an emergency. However, the process of de-orbiting and landing would be fraught with uncertainties. Without ground control, the astronauts would have limited control over the re-entry trajectory and landing site. Kazakhstan, once a likely parachuting site during the Cold War, would now offer more favorable conditions due to the removal of nuclear stockpiles.

Long-Term Survival Prospects

Assuming no natural or nuclear event directly targets the station, the survival of the ISS crew would still be grim. The current food and water supplies would last only a few months to a year at best, with critical supplies like solid waste storage bins having a shorter remaining lifespan.

Morale and Psychological Impact

The psychological toll on the crew could be immense. The loss of communication with Earth and the sight of a devastated planet below would likely lead to severe depression or even suicide. The mental well-being of the astronauts would deteriorate rapidly, leading to a chain reaction of despair and fatalism among the crew.

Physical Challenges and Immediate Hazards

Even if the crew managed to survive the initial period, the lack of resources, including food, water, and medical supplies, would soon take a toll. Without any way to grow food or produce water, the astronauts would face an existential battle for survival. Re-entering Earth in a hijacked spacecraft would be a dangerous and likely fatal endeavor, even if they managed to land safely, they would find a devastated planet unsuitable for habitation.

Final Outcome

In the end, the crew of the ISS would face a grim fate, either perishing aboard the station or re-entering Earth's atmosphere in a desperate attempt to survive. Their lives would be filled with pain, despair, and a final act of heroism in the face of humanity's ultimate failure.

Additional Information and Related Media

For further exploration of this scenario, consider watching the TV series "The 100," which delves into the lives of a group of teenagers living in space stations after a nuclear war decimates Earth.