As humanity prepares for a future beyond Earth, the emerging field of astroforensics is addressing the unique challenges of investigating crimes in microgravity. Researchers led by Zack Kowalske, a PhD candidate at Staffordshire University, are pioneering studies into how blood behaves in reduced-gravity environments, offering insights critical for future forensic science applications in space.

In a study published in Forensic Science International: Reports, Kowalske and his team, including Professor Graham Williams from the University of Hull, conducted experiments aboard the Zero Gravity Corporation’s parabolic flight aircraft. These flights simulate brief periods of microgravity, enabling researchers to study how evidence behaves in conditions vastly different from Earth.

Blood Behaviour in Microgravity

On Earth, bloodstain patterns are shaped by gravity, which pulls droplets into arcs before they impact surfaces, creating predictable stain patterns. In microgravity, however, this process changes dramatically.

“When gravity is absent, surface tension and cohesion take over,” explained Williams. “Blood in space sticks more readily to surfaces and spreads more slowly upon impact, resulting in smaller, compact stains unlike those formed on Earth.”

Using a synthetic analogue for human blood—composed of glycerin and red food colouring—the team propelled droplets across a 20 cm gap to simulate blood’s movement in microgravity. The resulting stains were photographed and analysed, revealing that, without gravity, blood travels in a straight line until it encounters a surface, demonstrating inertia in action.

Adapting Forensic Techniques for Space

The study underscores the importance of developing new forensic methodologies tailored to space environments. While this is the first exploration of blood behaviour in microgravity, Kowalske believes it is just the beginning.

“We are at the dawn of a new era in forensic science,” said Kowalske. “As humanity becomes a space-faring species, understanding how evidence behaves in extraterrestrial settings is critical. Astroforensics is an emerging field, and there is much more to uncover.”

The Path Ahead

The findings highlight the need for further research into how forensic sciences can adapt to non-terrestrial environments. As efforts to establish permanent bases on the Moon and Mars progress, ensuring the application of justice in space will become increasingly relevant. Kowalske and his team hope their work inspires future studies into forensic challenges in the final frontier.

This pioneering research represents an essential step toward equipping forensic science for the realities of life beyond Earth.

Kowalske Z, Pantalos G, Oleiwi A, Williams G. Bloodstain pattern dynamics in microgravity: observations of a pilot study in the next frontier of forensic science. Forensic Sci Int Rep. 2024; 9:100358. doi:10.1016/j.fsir.2024.100358