Topic 2.0- Tech Developments Are Making Space Exploration Possible...

Question 1

Achievements of rocket science

Answer 1

Around 400 b.c the Greek mathematician archytas used escaping steam to propel a model pigeon along wires
In the first century, the Chinese were using gunpowder to make rocket-propelled arrows for battle
In 1957, the Soviet Union became the first country in the world to launch an artificial satellite called Sputnik

Question 2

Sputnik

Answer 2

The first artificial satellite to be launched. Launched by the Soviet Union
A month after it was put into orbit around the earth the Soviet Union launched a second space capsule. This one carried a small dog who survived for seven days as orbiting earth. The his event marked the first time any living creature had been sent to space. The info gathered from that mission set the path for human space travel.

Question 3

Three main types of spacecraft

Answer 3

Shuttles transport personnel and equipment to orbiting spacecraft
Space probes contain instrumentation for carrying out robotic exploration in space.
Space stations are orbiting spacecraft that have living quarters, work areas and all the support systems needed for humans to work and live there for extended periods

Question 4

International space station

Answer 4

It orbits earth at an altitude of 350 km, and provides quite the place. It is a joint project of 16 nations, including the U.S, Canada, Japan, Russia, Brazil and 11 nations of the European space agency
It will serve as a permanent laboratory in space as well as command post for building and launching interplanetary rockets
There are plans to make more space stations in the future, as well as several private companies are planning to develop hotels and amusement parks in space or on the moon.

Question 5

The science of rocketry

Answer 5

It relies on a fundamental law of physics: for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction
An inflated balloon is similar to a simple rocky… It is full of air and is confining gas under pressure. Release the balloon and it will propel in a direction opposite to the path of the escaping gas

Question 6

How a rocket works

Answer 6

Also use gas under pressure confined in a chamber or tank. An opening in the chamber allows the gas to be released, producing thrust and causing the rocket to be propelled in the opposite direction into space

Question 7

Three basic parts of a rocket

Answer 7

Structural and mechanical elements, the fuel, and the payload.

Question 8

Structural and mechanical elements

Answer 8

Everything from the rocket itself to engines, storage tanks and the fins on the outside

Question 9

Fuel

Answer 9

Can be any number of materials including liquid oxygen, gasoline, and liquid hydrogen
This mixture is ignited in a combustion chamber, causing the gases to expand and leave as exaust

Question 10

Payload

Answer 10

Refers to the materials needed for the flight, including crew cabins, food, water, air and people

Question 11

Ion drives ( positives and negatives as well )

Answer 11

Engines that use xenon gas instead of chemical fuels. In the spacecraft engine, the xenon is electrically charged, accelerated and then emitted as exhaust which pushes the spacecraft opposite of the emission
The thrust created is much weaker than the thrust from today’s chemically fuelled engines. However it lasts much longer! The little force applied pushes it far distances and acts as a very fast vehicle… It also uses little fuel

Question 12

Solar sails

Answer 12

Similar to propelling boats using wind sails. Instead of harnessing air currents for energy, solar sales would use the sun’s light. The sun emits electromagnetic energy in the form of photons. The solar sails tested are made of carbon fibre and… The first photons hit the sail, the energy transmitted causes the spacecraft to move.

Question 13

Environmental hazards of space

Answer 13

Space is a vacuum, with no water or air. Space passengers can get damaging affects of cosmic rays and solar radiation and the risk of being hit by meteoroids. The temp can be extremely cold in the shadows of space and boiling hot in near the sun. The gas atmosphere is not the same in space and the pressure that keeps our heartbeats regulated is not in space.

Question 14

Psychological challenges to confined living

Answer 14

Long trips in the confined space of a spacecraft can cause psychological issues. Also you can be in space for possibly 2 years! The international space station does not give as much space as provided in your home!

Question 15

microgravity

Answer 15

Gravity is the force of attraction between masses. On earth gravity gives us our feeling of weight. Microgravity is the condition in and which the gravitational forces that act on mass are greatly reduced.

Question 16

Body changes to microgravity

Answer 16

When the body is weightless it undergoes changes… Bones have less pressure on them than normal and so they expand. The heart does not have to pump as hard to circulate blood. Muscles used for walking and lifting do not get used as much and therefore weaken. Even a persons visual depth perception is affected!

Question 17

The space suit

Answer 17

When someone is in open space need everything that is required to survive: air, water, a heating system, a cooling system, even a portable toilet.
The suit also needs to be flexible to allow the astronaut to grasp a wrench or twist a bolt. Each one is custom designed for both genders who will wear it from the size of shoes and gloves

Question 18

Home in space

Answer 18

Outside of warts atmosphere, none of the life support systems that humans have for survival exist
They need clean water, breathable air and comfortable temps and air pressure. The station also needs to carry its own source of power to provide energy to run the life support systems and equipment at all times

Question 19

Recycling water

Answer 19

The international space station will be using devices that can recycle almost 100% of the water in the station. This includes waste water, water used for hygiene and moisture in the air. Recycling the water will keep a crew of 7 comfortable for several months in the station
They must know how to use the limited supply of water carried in the shuttle. Researchers have developed the tech to filter, purify and recycle the same water over and over.

Question 20

The environmental control and life support system on the International Space Station

Answer 20

Recycling wastewater( including urine) to make drinking water
Using recycled water to produce oxygen
Removing CO2 from the air
Filtering micro-organisms and dust from the air
Keeping the air pressure, temp and humidity stable

Question 21

Producing oxygen in space

Answer 21

Using electrolysis to split water molecules into their component elements: hydrogen and oxygen
Applied in a spacecraft, this process can supply most of the oxygen a crew needs. The hydrogen is vented into space (not needed!)

Question 22

Satellites

Answer 22

Are objects built and sent into earths orbit by humans. Looking like small spherical containers or snap together toy structures, they are small and loaded with electronic equipment, digital imaging apparatus and other instrumentation
They transmit the info they receive to ground stations by radio waves
They can help us communicate, observe and forecast weather, predict magnetic storms and even our location on the planet… They also lead to space exhortation and the discovery of stars and planets clearly!

Question 23

Different satellites

Answer 23

Communication: used for wireless tech and taking with one another from place to place
Observation/research: forecasting weather and designed to stay in one spot above earth… Also can monitor environmental change and information on the earth and resources
Remote sensing: low orbit and make observations of the earths surface such as heat or energy waves, natural resources and urbanization

Question 24

Satellites- how they track where we are

Answer 24

24 GPS satellites are in orbit around earth which means at least 3 are above any given location in the world at any given moment. Radio signals from the ateliers are picked up by hand held receivers and than can be translated by a computer in the receiver which shows a digital display of where you are.