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Blow Out

Space movies regularly dispatch characters through an explosively decompressed airlock. But how likely is such a rapid ejection, taking into account the victim's location in the airlock and its volume? Assuming they are wearing a space suit, what is the best way to avoid expulsion, apart from grabbing something solid?

18 April 2018

Space movies regularly dispatch characters through an explosively decompressed airlock. But how likely is such a rapid ejection, taking into account the victim’s location in the airlock and its volume? Assuming they are wearing a space suit, what is the best way to avoid expulsion, apart from grabbing something solid?

Mark Hallinan, Murwillumbah, New South Wales, Australia

We pay £25 for every answer published in New Scientist. To answer this question – or ask a new one – email lastword@newscientist.com.

Questions should be scientific enquiries about everyday phenomena, and both questions and answers should be concise. We reserve the…

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