Space Travel and Its Effects on Humans

Leaving Earth http://spaceplace.nasa.gov/how-orbits-work/en/ http://galileoandeinstein.physics.virginia.edu/more_stuff/flas hlets/slingshot6.swf EFFECT: The Space Shuttle has to fight the effects of gravity pulling and has to have enough power to get into orbit without going too far out in space ACCOMODATIONS: The rockets give the space shuttle the right amount of boost. The speed will put the space craft in orbit

Effects of Microgravity on the Body Blood & fluid building up in parts of the body. Muscles & bones weaken due to underuse. Spine lengthens- leads to back pain. ACCOMODATIONS: Taking medications and exercising as often as possible. Most of the effects reverse themselves upon returning to Earth.

Pressure, Temperature, & Atmosphere Changes EFFECTS: No atmospheric pressure (lungs explode, body fluids boil), no oxygen, and extreme temperatures ACCOMODATIONS: Spacesuits are pressurized to keep body fluids liquid, contain tanks of oxygen for breathing, shield the astronaut from extreme temperatures, and shield them from flying debris

Space Food EFFECTS: Foods will float away-crumbs are a problem Foods will spoil (no fridge) ACCOMMODATIONS: Special packages to prevent it from flying away Prepared and stored properly to avoid spoilage

Waste Management EFFECTS: Without gravity, waste doesn’t fall from the body Build-up of wastes, wastes floating away Shower? ACCOMMODATIONS: Toilets that flush with air, not water, to pull waste away Recycle waste water, seal solid wastes in bags Sponge bath or enclosed shower with a vacuum

Living & Working in Space EFFECTS: Motion sickness, stuffy head, claustrophobia, illness How do you sleep in a bed? ACCOMMODATIONS: Taking medications to treat symptoms in some cases Sleep in sleeping bags strapped to wall, ear plugs and sleep masks

Spacecraft EFFECTS: Having enough supplies (food, water, etc…) Being able to live and work in small space Keeping supplies clean (germs) ACCOMMODATIONS: Bringing food, water, & extra supplies (reducing waste and recycling) Acclimating yourself with work and surroundings Disinfecting supplies