Unit 5: Lesson 2 Manned Space Exploration

Big Question: What are the accommodations that allow for manned space exploration?

What does “accommodation(s)” mean? Accommodation = adjustment (how a need is met)

What is “manned” space exploration? Manned = human Manned space craft = humans on the space craft Unmanned space craft = NO humans on the space craft

Accommodations: How do astronauts survive in the harsh space environment?

Accommodation 1: Space Suit An astronaut would become unconscious within 15 seconds because there is no oxygen.

Accommodation 1: Space Suit An astronaut’s blood would boil and then freeze because there is little or no air pressure (no atmosphere) In sunlight, space is 248 degrees Fahrenheit In shade, space is -148 degrees Fahrenheit

Accommodation 1: Space Suit An astronaut would be exposed to solar radiation, which could quickly cause cancer.

Accommodation 2: Exercise Microgravity has negative effects on bones. physical stress on bones decreases = decreased boned density exercise keeps bones dense (so they don’t deteriorate)

Unit 5: Lesson 2 Manned Space Exploration

Accommodations: How can we travel to outer space?

Space Shuttle Job: Space Shuttles are reusable vehicles that take humans to space.

Space Probe Job: Probes are vehicles that carry sophisticated instruments / technology but NO human crew. They explore the solar system and collect data.

Rocket Job: Rockets are used to deliver satellites into orbits in space. They do NOT carry humans. What is a satellite? A satellite is a moon, planet or machine that orbits a planet or star. Example: Earth is a satellite because it orbits the sun. lExample: The moon is a satellite because it orbits Earth.

International Space Station Job: The ISS is a satellite that serves as a home for scientists (astronauts) while they perform scientific research and experiments.

How can we travel so far? Don’t we run out of fuel?

Sling Shot Effect The slingshot effect is used to speed up a spacecraft in a planetary flyby. This saves fuel and allows the spacecraft to travel faster. The slingshot effect resembles a pin- ball machine (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPLDAyICq2Y)