Atlanta, Georgia – In the world of crime scene investigation, Detective Zack Kowalske is breaking new ground by delving into the realm of space. As a crime scene investigator from Roswell, Georgia, he is leading research to investigate the potential scenario of the first murder in microgravity.
Kowalske’s curiosity was piqued by the unique challenges that investigating a crime in space would present. On Earth, investigators rely on factors such as gravity to analyze blood spatter patterns. But in space, where gravity’s influence is minimal, traditional investigative techniques may not apply.
Teaming up with researchers from the University of Louisville, as well as universities in England, Kowalske conducted experiments aboard a parabolic aircraft to simulate microgravity conditions. The researchers used simulated blood to study spatter patterns and were surprised to find that the lack of gravity resulted in smaller spatter patterns than expected.
One of the key challenges in investigating crimes in space, according to space attorney Michelle Hanlon, is determining jurisdiction. Space objects fall under the jurisdiction of the state that launched them, leading to complex jurisdictional issues in cases of potential crimes.
As the potential for private space travel grows, Kowalske highlights the importance of understanding how blood spatter patterns can be used not only in criminal investigations but also in accident reconstruction scenarios. The research conducted by Kowalske and his colleagues has been published in the journal “Forensic Science International: Reports,” marking a significant milestone in their investigation of space crimes.
Through his innovative research, Kowalske hopes to shed light on the challenges and complexities of conducting investigations in space. While the concept of a homicide in space may be purely theoretical at this point, Kowalske’s work underscores the importance of preparing for the unknown in the ever-evolving frontier of space exploration.