Moderate-High. The technology around space exploration is amazing and ubiquitous—there would be no astronauts without technology. And astronauts themselves are often scientists. Science and technology are absolutely key components to the setting and characters of Dying Astronaut stories. The science and technology, even though it may be far beyond our current technology is attainable. That said, not all Dying Astronaut stories are hard Sci Fi.

There is also the element of psychology in Dying Astronaut stories. Sure, there is the look into the mind of someone dying, but there is also the psychological effects of technological developments and of being in space.

High. The last moments of a dying astronaut can be incredibly philosophical. Dealing with questions about humanity's place in the universe, destiny, the value of life, the value of discovery. When astronauts embark beyond the Earth's atmosphere they carry with them the dreams of humanity and when they face life threatening situations their stories have far reaching implications.

Variable. Characterization is a difficult attribute to define in regards to this sub-genre because astronauts have become an archetype in Sci Fi—they are the heroes of the space age after all. Because they are archetypes they can be a bit flat as characters—but, in their last moments dying astronauts can become introspective, and in that moment readers glimpse the core of who they are. In addition, as technology has developed, the need for people to be involved in off-world quests has diminished, both in reality and in science fiction. The dreams that have surrounded astronauts may be dissolving, but, as characters astronauts have become better developed—they tend to be more reflective and realistic.

High. This is a sub-genre about discovery (usually) and because astronauts are the vanguard of off-world exploration their stories are ripe for interesting plot lines. Indeed, because Dying Astronaut stories inevitably lead to a heightened climatic moment where life is at stake, the plot is full of energy and tension.

Some stories focus on the single astronaut and can become quite introspective and so the plot will disappear for a bit in favor of characterization or philosophical inquiry. However, the reader is always brought back to the plot and these interludes only serve to underscore the emotion of the story's events.

Variable. Although Dying Astronauts have life-threatening situations, they are not necessarily caused by violence. The astronaut may be marooned on an uninhabited planet without hope of rescue—not violent. However, some stores will have other humans, or aliens, or creatures who's goal is to do harm, and these stories can be incredibly violent. Furthermore, even though these stories center around death, the death itself is not always described in graphic detail—but it can be.