Space Exploration

Space Travel Write down as many things as you can think of that a space explorer would need to survive in space.

True/False There is no gravity in space. Living in space has no effect on the human body. Mass and weight are the same. F F F

Types of Spacecraft Using the cards on your desk, answer the following questions: Which type of spacecraft is best suited to human exploration? How are the needs of astronauts in space different from their needs on earth?

History of Space Travel contributed to space exploration by defining and describing gravity Sir Isaac Newton

History of Space Travel Developed the laws of planetary motion describing how planets move in space. Johannes Kepler

Solar System Models To study and prepare for space, models are useful tools However, many models have limitations

Find the limitations of these Models Correct distances and sizes of the sun and planets

Find the limitations of these Models True size of the sun and planets and distances

How can this model be used to help plan space trips? To estimate distance, travel time and fuel costs

Why do scientists use full size models? to practice in-flight procedures to familiarize the crew with emergency procedures to maximize safety save the expense of a real mission

Conditions in Space No oxygen Extreme temperatures Microgravity Low pressure Radiation Large distances Different atmospheres

No Oxygen Humans cannot breath in space Oxygen does exist on other planets but not in concentrations we can breathe

Extreme temperatures Space is cold and dark Planet surfaces can be extremely hot or extremely cold

microgravity When orbiting around a planet, you are in a constant state of free fall Creates a small amount of gravity Microgravity around earth is 1x10 -6 gravity Microgravity causes muscle and bone loss Also causes fluids to form balls – Can make drinking, showering and sweating difficult

microgravity Exercising on a treadmill to reduce bone and muscle loss. Healthy bone In Space

Low pressure Low pressures in space make it harder for the heart to pump blood around the body

radiation The sun produces large amounts of solar radiation The closer to the sun, the more radiation Too much solar radiation can kill humans Atmospheres help block solar radiation

Large distances Distances between planets and moon can be huge Can take years/decades to get to some places Depression can set in

Different Atmospheres Earth’s atmosphere shields us from: – Radiation – Collisions with meteoroids and asteroids It also allows for gas exchange between plants and animals

One way to overcome large distances: The slingshot theory Going around another planet and using it’s gravity to gain speed Longer trip but takes less time

Slingshot Effect

What technology has been developed to help a human survive and move in space?

What does a Spacesuit do? Creates pressure to force blood around the body Provides oxygen and collects carbon dioxide Helps regulate temperature

The Spacesuit Layers Multiple layers helps to maintain temperature

The Spacesuit Backpack Provide pure O 2 for inhaling and canisters to collect CO 2

Spacesuit Training Astronauts train in a pool to lighten the weight of the suit This helps them to move more easily and practice tasks

Future of Space Travel Manned trip to the moon Manned trip to Mars Manned colonies on Mars Exploration

Research topics leaving earth effects of microgravity on the body space suits space food waste management living and working in space spacecraft