Manned Space Programs
First man in space – Yuri Gagarin (from Russia) in 1961 First American in space – Alan Shepard Spacecraft = Freedom 7 First Chinese in space – Yang Liwei First American to orbit earth – John Glenn First time in space
Man walked in space for the first time during Project Gemini Purpose: to use a 2-man space vehicle to develop basic technology and procedures needed to go to the moon and back in the follow-up Apollo project Procedures: docking, extravehicular activity, monitoring of human responses to weightlessness
During Project Apollo, men walked on the moon for the first time Including Neil Armstrong and Edwin Aldrin Activities: set up experiments, collected samples, left memorials for members of Apollo 1 who perished in a fire Command and service modules remained in orbit, but lunar module descended to the moon’s surface apollo
Meanwhile, Soviets (Russians) were working to establish a space station in Earth orbit The usefulness of space station “Mir” ended as a result of its age, failing equipment, and lack of funds to properly maintain it In comparison to other space stations, the International Space Station (ISS) is larger, more modern, and is built and used by a partnership of nations Used for long-term space missions Space stations
Space shuttle “Challenger” was lost (because of a booster/external fuel tank malfunction) in 1986. 7 crew members Space shuttle “Columbia” disintegrated (due to insulating foam striking the wing, damaging the heat shielding which failed upon reentry) in 2003. Tragedies
Problems Problems that resulted from the shuttle fleet being grounded: Delay in construction and resupply of the ISS Heavy satellite launches were delayed or scrapped Delay of Hubble Space Telescope services Problems
Private companies are working to begin tourist and commercial ventures in space. Advantages to everyday life in the U.S. = Flame-retardant materials Computer technology Energy technology, Plastics, ceramics, metals Communication improvements Reasons for exploration… Wrong: trying to find life to support evolution Right: to glorify God by discovering more about His creation The future