Players respawn when their ship or vehicle gets destroyed. This can happen by for example combat, crashing into something, self-destruction, overheating, or running out life support.
Lore
When a commander's ship receives catastrophic hull damage (breaks apart) or becomes incapable of supporting life, the commander automatically escapes via an ever-present escape pod. The escape pod transports the commander back to the last station that they docked at.[1]
The Remlok suit provides environmental protection from extreme temperature variations and hazards such as hard vacuum in depressurization. During emergencies the Remlok Survival Mask appears instantly to protect the wearer's head.
Gameplay
When the player's ship explodes, the screen will show 'Ship Destroyed'. (There is no simulation of the escape pod.) The player can press 'continue' to view the insurance costs to rebuy the old ship loadout, or get a Sidewinder for free. In either case, the player respawns at the station at which they last docked.
When the player's SRV is destroyed, the player respawns onboard their ship.