Title page 46: Accommodations for Manned Space Travel

Include the following bullet point titles leaving 3 lines between:

• Leaving Earth• Effects of Microgravity on Body

• Pressure, Temperature and Atmosphere Changes

• Space food• Waste Management

• Living and Working in Space• Spacecraft Designs

Leaving Earth• The curve of the spacecraft's path is about the same as the

curve of Earth's surface. So astronauts orbiting Earth aren't really weightless, they are just falling . . . and falling, and falling!

• orbiting spacecraft, like the space shuttle or space station, are kept in orbit around Earth by gravity.

• The distance from the sun affects how much solar radiation arrives at that planet or object. Too much solar radiation can kill humans if they do not have protection from radiation.

• distances are great. If we are in our solar system, distance is known as an astronomical unit. When outside of the solar system, for distance to other galaxies, these are known as light years.

• Orbiting in space creates nearly weightless effects for humans. It is called microgravity. You can experience microgravity by riding roller coasters, jumping on a trampoline, or off a diving board. It is the “free fall” period of these activities when the microgravity occurs, and of course only lasts for short period of time. The force of microgravity in the shuttle is 1 * 10-6 gravity, so objects appear to be floating. It is sometimes called zero gravity but is more accurately names microgravity because it is so slight.

• Since weight is measured by the pull of gravity on a mass, and mass is the amount of matter in a substance, astronauts lose weight due to less gravity. They will also lose some muscle mass because they do not use them. the muscles can begin to weaken or atrophy, and this could lead to fall-related injuries and accidents during exploration missions.

Effects of Microgravity on Body

Effects of Microgravity on Body

• Effect on Bones: In microgravity, astronauts no longer walk to get to different parts of the spacecraft, they float. This means that the bones in the lower part of the body that typically bear weight – the legs, hips and spine – experience a significant decrease in load bearing. This reduction leads to bone breakdown and a release of calcium, which is reabsorbed by the body, leaving the bone more brittle and weak.

• Providing clean air supply, water supply, temperature control, and way to dispose of waste must also be considered. Living in space is challenging!

Pressure, Temperature and Atmosphere Changes

Pressure, Temperature and Atmosphere Changes

• Many items are used to exist in these extreme conditions:• space suits• Survival kits for emergencies• Food packaging

• Insulation within the space suit allows astronauts to regulate their temperature

• Spacesuits, or extravehicular mobility units (EMUs), are complex multi-layered garments that protect spacewalkers from the hazards of outer space: – vacuum (no atmosphere for breathing and pressure)– boiling hot temperatures in sunlight– shattering cold temperatures in shade– high-speed micrometeoroids and other space debris – radiation

• Space suits have a tank or “backpack” on the back– This allows for exchange

of oxygen to breathe in and collection of CO2

– Space suits help to control for insulation, changes in air pressure, and waste management• They do not protect against

microgravity

Pressure, Temperature and Atmosphere Changes

Space food

• Preparation varies with the food type. Some foods can be eaten in their natural form, such as brownies and fruit. Other foods require adding water, such as macaroni and cheese or spaghetti.

• There are no refrigerators in space, so space food must be stored and prepared properly to avoid spoilage, especially on longer missions.

• Condiments are provided such as ketchup, mustard and mayonnaise. Salt and pepper are available but only in a liquid form. This is because astronauts can't sprinkle salt and pepper on their food in space, it would fly away.

• Microgravity will cause water to form a ball rather than a water drop shape or any other shape water can take. This can cause problems showering, perspiring, and drinking. Food is prepared differently and may taste different. Astronauts often request hot sauce and spice to improve the flavor of their food.

Space food

• Waste management in space is rather interesting. Astronauts flush with air rather than water. The airflow draws the waste away from the body, and then flushes it into storage tanks. The liquid eventually evaporates once it is dumped overboard. Solid waste goes into a container, dries out, and is taken back to Earth for disposal.

Waste Management

Waste Management• As on Earth, space food comes in packages

that must be disposed. Astronauts must throw their packages away in a trash compactor inside the space shuttle when they are done eating. Some packaging actually prevents food from flying away. The food packaging is designed to be flexible, easier to use, as well as maximize space when stowing or disposing food containers

• Tubes carry pressurized oxygen and nitrogen from the Shuttle to storage tanks on the ISS. Ducts move cabin air from all parts of the Station to the carbon dioxide scrubbers and back, ensuring that the dangerous gas doesn't build up in any forgotten corner.

Living and Working in Space

• On weekdays, the astronauts keep busy with their daily routine of experiments, planning, meals and exercise. A typical day is planned with Mission Control.

• Sleeping is challenging in microgravity. Sleeping bags are strapped to the walls and astronauts must secure themselves within them. The rhythmic beating of the heart will cause the head to bob, so the head must be restrained.

Spacecraft Designs• There is a pressurized crew compartment (which can normally carry up to seven crew members)• The cockpit, living quarters and experiment operator's station are located in the forward fuselage of the Orbiter vehicle.

International Space Station (ISS) is as large as a football field