Instructor Bliss

Background  Building a spaceship requires tough, durable materials capable of shielding astronauts from radiation as well as matter flying through space. NASA is working on some inventive new solutions to create space vehicles that are strong and protective, as well as light and environmentally sensitive.  There are also other uses for recycled plastics.

Why and how might polyethylene be a better material than more traditional metals (like aluminum) for space travel?  Advantages?

What are some of the tradeoffs and dangers involved in using a plastic material like polyethylene for space flight?  Disadvantages?

What are some other uses for recycled plastics that you have investigated?  Uses?

What are some difficulties in recycling any sort of plastic material?  Difficulties?