Download Space Exploration Space Travel

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.
Mass and weight are the same.
F
F
Living in space has no effect on the human
body.
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
Sir Isaac Newton
contributed to space exploration by defining
and describing gravity
History of Space Travel
Johannes Kepler
Developed the laws of planetary motion
describing how planets move in space.
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
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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
Healthy
bone
In Space
Exercising on a treadmill
to reduce bone and
muscle loss.
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?
http://www.spacekids.co.uk/spacesuits/
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 O2 for inhaling and canisters
to collect CO2
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
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Manned trip to the moon
Manned trip to Mars
Manned colonies on Mars
Exploration
Research topics
http://www.nasa.gov/externalflash/HRP_Feature/
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leaving earth
effects of microgravity on the body
space suits
space food
waste management
living and working in space
spacecraft