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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/aero-space-nearly-zero-pressure

What is the pressure like in outer space?

Nearly zero, because very few gas molecules are present.

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  1. Higher than sea level
  2. Nearly zero ✔
  3. Exactly sea-level pressure

Why: Outer space is an extremely thin vacuum, though not perfectly empty. Spacecraft and spacesuits must provide pressure for people.

Huh, didn't know that: A perfect vacuum would contain no particles at all.

The dad joke
Space felt no pressure to fill every empty spot.
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References

Answer: Nearly zero. Outer space is an extremely thin vacuum, though not perfectly empty. Spacecraft and spacesuits must provide pressure for people.

  1. Aerospace Dimensions Module 5, Space Environment akwg.cap.gov/media/cms/Module_5__Space_Environment_C640727DEF762_83c5b.pdf
    In space, the pressure is nearly zero.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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