Decomposition

[Stumblebum]

Can decomposition occur without other lifeforms? If an astronaut was to die on a planet complete with moderate temperatures and devoid of life would decomposition be possible? Could the bacteria living on or within the astronaut's body do the job?

[Mokele]

Yes. If there are bacteria on or in the astronaut, they'll do it. If, somehow, he's totally sterilized (gamma rays or something), he'll just stick around a LONG time, while his body breaks down through abiotic means like erosion, radiation destroying chemicals in his cells, cracking from heat and cold, etc. He'd be sorta like a small, squishy rock.

 

Mokele

[Glider]

It's the bacteria that exist in our bodies that are mainly responsible for decomposition anyway. Decomposition always begins in the gut and the abdomen becomes discoloured blue/green after about 12 hours.