Current and Future Space Missions

Space MissionsFinding a way to coexist in the futureSpace MissionsHow are newer space shuttles different from older rockets?

*Early rockets were used to launch astronauts in a small capsule into space, while the rest of the rocket burned up in the atmosphere.

*Space shuttles now are launched with an external liquid-fuel tank, and two internal solid-fuel booster rockets. The two solid-fuel tanks parachute back to Earth and can be reused. The liquid-fuel tank also returns, but cannot be reused.

Space MissionsWhat type of work can be done on a space shuttle?Once the space shuttle reaches space: the astronauts can perform various tasks.

*Study the effects of space on the human body

*Launch, repair, and retrieve satellites

Space MissionsWhat is the difference between a space shuttle and a space station?Space Shuttle Astronauts can only spend a short time on these due to its small size

Space Station Has living quarters, work and exercise areas, and all equipment needed to live and work in space

SkylabSpace MissionsWhat is the difference between a US and a Soviet space station?Skylab Launched in 1973 by the US. Crews spent up to 84 days aboard it studying the effects of space on humans. After being abandoned, it fell out of orbit and burned up reentering Earths atmosphere in 1979.

Mir Soviet space station where crews spent up to 438 days in space.

MirRussia and the United StatesIn early 1995, Dr. Norman Thagard (an American), was launched into orbit on Soyuz, a Russian spacecraft, with two other Russians. He was the first American aboard the Russian space station Mir.

In June 1995, Russian cosmonauts were launched into orbit aboard the American space shuttle, Atlantis. The mission of Atlantis was to dock with the space station Mir.There were 8 more space shuttle and Mir docking missions before Mir was abandoned and fell out of orbit and burned in 2001.This was the beginning stages of the creation of the International Space Station.Space MissionsWhat is the International Space Station?*The biggest object ever flown in space*Orbits around Earth at a speed of about 27,700km/hr (about 16 orbits per day)*Flies about 350 km above Earth. We can see it with our eyes at night.*16 countries worked together to build the Space StationHas been the host of rotating crews for about 6 months at a time since November 2000 Different countries rotate turns.

International Space Station

Phases of the ISS1st Phase Mir docking stationNovember 1998 Launch of the Russian structure, Zarya Control Module. Battery power and fuel storage. July 2000 Zvezda is added and become the life support and main system functions. Contains living areas for the stations first crews.October 2000 First truss goes up. A truss is a structure that connects external utilities, such as power, data, and video.October 30, 2000 First crew members move in. Bill Shepard, Yuri Gidzenko, and Sergei Krikalev ride the Soyuz spacecraft there for a 5 month test flight. November 2000 Solar panels are added.

Phases of the ISSFebruary 2001 Destiny, the first research laboratory, was added. Launched by the US space shuttle Atlantis.March 2001 Space shuttle Discovery brought the second crew and returned the first homeApril 2001 Canadarm 2 is placed outside the space station to help connect future structuresFebruary 2008 European Space Agencys laboratory, Columbus, was delivered and installed March 2008 1st part of Japanese Space Agencys laboratory, Kibo, was delivered and installed International Space Station FactsAbout the length and width of a football field10th anniversary of continuous human occupation on Nov. 2, 2010Has been visited by 204 individualsThere have been 133 launches to the space station168 spacewalks were done with the assembly

Space MissionsHow did we explore Mars?*Global Surveyor Launched in 1996. Orbited Mars and took photos of its surface. Scientists used photos to determine that there was water near the surface in some areas.

*Pathfinder Landed on the surface. Technology and a remote controlled robot called Sojourner studied the surface.

Spirit and OpportunityPathfinderSpace MissionsHow did we explore Mars?*Odyssey Orbited and began mapping the surface in 2002. Confirmed that soil in southern polar areas contained frozen water.

*Spirit and Opportunity Rovers launched in 2003. Goal was to study rocks and soil.

*Phoenix Landed in May 2008. Studied the water on the surface and its role in Mars history.

Odyssey

PhoenixExploring the MoonLunar Prospector Launched in 1998. One-year mission to orbit the moon. Map the structure and composition.Studies indicated that water may be trapped in the craters at the Moons poles.Water previously delivered to the moon by comets or meteorites may be trapped forever.Lunar Prospector was crashed into a lunar crater on purpose at the end of the one-year mission. Scientists hoped to see water vapor during the crash, but none was seen. Space MissionsWhat is Cassini?Launched in October 1997A space probe whose destination was to Saturn

*Delivered European Space Agencys probe, Huygens, to Saturns largest moon, Titan

* Scientists believe that Titans atmosphere may be similar to early Earth due to the fact that it seems to have frozen water many layers below the surface, and its seasons seem to be changing.

Space MissionsWhat is the future of space telescopes?James Webb Space TelescopeLarge infrared-optimized space telescope

Will allow scientists to study the evolution of galaxies and stars, the production of elements by stars, and the process of star and planet formation

Will have to be able to see through dusty clouds

Hopes to be able to be launched in 2018

How is space technology and research used in everyday life?Engine lubricants, aluminized polymers for insulation, new ceramics for bones in hip replacementSpace medicines helped create better heart pacemakers, kidney dialysis machines, vision screening systems, cochlear implantsCan help catch criminals and prevent accidents by allowing police to clear up blurry imagesEquipment can be placed on emergency vehicles to automatically change traffic lights