Space Exploration Past, Present, Future

Space Exploration The Big Picture Space exploration is still in infancy. Although we have learned a lot, we still have a lot of questions. The cost of space exploration mandates that we work together with other countries. Example: International Space Station (ISS)

NASA National Aeronautics and Space Administration Accomplishments: First to land someone on the moon Invented the space shuttle Developed many products for space that we now use as everyday products Example: Velcro

We Are Curious …and so we study space. Things that we need to know about space exploration include: Rockets Artificial satellites Space probes Space stations Space shuttles Remote Sensoring devices Space suits Radar Computers Fuel sources Landing modules Materials that can survive heat and pressure Solar panels Living quarters Biomedical equipment Air purification devices Telescopes And many more…

A Brief History of Space Exploration

1920’s Father of American Rocketry - Robert Goddard First liquid propelled rocket

1940’s 1942, the 1 st rocket to reach 100km from the Earth’s surface (the boundary of space) – designed by Werner Von Braun – Leader of Nazi rocketry research – War criminal? Victim of Nazi “scorched Earth”? – American hero? 1947, First fruit flies in space 1949, Albert the monkey into space

1950’s Russia launched the first satellite into orbit around the Earth – Sputnik! 1957 – Laika first dog to orbit Earth

The Space Race and Cold War The ability to go into space became an indicator of our status as a great nation, and the Soviets were our top competitors. Time in history known as the Cold War. Relations with Russia were not good! Khrushchev & Kennedy

1960’s 1960 – Kennedy Space Station Russian Cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin became the first man in space 1961 – America puts Alan Shephard into space 1968 – Apollo – Neil Armstrong 1 st man on the moon

Apollo 11: Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins, Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin July 16, 1969

“Houston, the Eagle has landed.”

Neil Armstrong – First Man on the Moon

Buzz Aldrin – second man on the moon

Apollo 11 – American Heroes

Earthrise from lunar orbit

1970’s “Lunar Rover” it was electric powered, and had a top speed of 8mph.

Apollo 17 Lunar Rover – 12/72

1980’s First re-flyable Space Shuttle made to make space travel less expensive – Space Shuttle Challenger Disaster

Space Shuttle Challenger Disaster Shuttle blows up 73 seconds after liftoff Six professional astronauts – a spectrum of America Christa McAuliffe – first teacher in space

1990’s Mars Pathfinder & Sojourner Rover

Mars Pathfinder

Panorama from surface of Mars

2000’s 2003 – China sends the 1 st man into space, Yang Liwei International Space Station, where crews of astronauts have been living ever since.

2010’s Messenger arrived at Mercury in 2011

Fun Facts Why do astronauts wear a space suit? – No air, no air pressure, extremely cold, & has unfiltered radiation How do they use the bathroom? – Suction via air filter – Adult diapers How do they eat? – No hot or loose foods (crumbs) – Dehydrated food How do they sleep? – Strapped in

The Future Exploration at greater distances Extended stays Humans need to be ready and educated for the space travel of the future

Some Difficulties Include: Radiation exposure Lunar dust Food and Nutrition Exercise Differing levels of pressure, atmosphere composition, and gravity Sleep loss Risk of bone fracture Reduced muscle mass Reduced aerobic capacity Mental disorders arising from extreme, confined, and isolated conditions