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Questions and Answers
What is the main purpose of special shielding in space shuttles?
How many times the acceleration of gravity (1 g) can astronauts experience during launch?
Which degree is NOT specifically mentioned as a requirement for becoming an astronaut?
What physical changes do astronauts experience in space regarding their coordination?
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What is a primary source of disorientation for astronauts upon arriving at the ISS?
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Why do astronauts need training for higher g-force scenarios?
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What issue might arise due to micrometeoroids impacting a space shuttle?
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What happens to the gases in astronauts' stomachs while in space?
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What is one negative effect of weightlessness on the human body?
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Which of the following reasons would likely make someone not want to go to space?
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How does lack of showers on the ISS classify in terms of astronaut experience?
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What could exposure to cosmic radiation potentially cause?
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What advantage can some astronauts experience in a weightless environment?
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What is the primary danger associated with high g-forces during launch?
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How are micrometeoroids categorized in relation to astronaut safety?
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What is a reason astronauts may face isolation during space missions?
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What happens to astronauts' hearts while living in the International Space Station?
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What physical change do astronauts experience in their height while in space?
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What is a significant risk of long-term exposure to cosmic radiation in space?
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Why do astronauts need to exercise while in space?
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What sanity-related challenge do astronauts face during long missions in space?
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What is a consequence of astronauts living in microgravity concerning their physical health?
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What is a primary method to reduce exposure to radiation for astronauts?
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How do astronauts typically cope with the lack of conventional showers in space?
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Study Notes
Dangers of Space Travel
- Spacecraft must be designed to withstand impacts from micrometeoroids which travel at high speeds.
- A thin foil shielding helps vaporize micrometeoroids before impact, reducing damage risk.
Astronaut Requirements
- Astronauts must have a degree in engineering, biological science, physical science, computer science, or mathematics with at least 3 years of experience.
- Alternatively, 1000 hours of jet aircraft piloting experience is accepted.
- Physical tests and height restrictions apply.
Launch and G-Forces
- During launch, astronauts experience high gravitational forces, known as g-forces, which are three times the acceleration of Earth's gravity (9.8 m/s2).
- Training is crucial to handle these g-forces to prevent blood from traveling away from the head and causing loss of consciousness.
Living in Space
- Weightlessness and altered day-night cycles cause disorientation upon arriving at the ISS.
- Astronauts experience "puffy face" due to fluid shifting to the upper body in the absence of gravity.
- Muscle loss is a significant concern due to zero gravity, requiring astronauts to exercise extensively.
- Astronauts experience a decrease in bone density, leading to potential bone fractures and osteoporosis upon returning to Earth.
- In space, astronauts are taller due to spinal decompression from the lack of gravity.
- The ISS bathroom presents unique sanitation challenges due to a lack of gravity.
Radiation Exposure
- Earth's magnetosphere and atmosphere protect us from cosmic radiation, absent in space.
- Exposure to radiation from the Sun poses risks, including cancer and cataracts leading to vision problems.
- Minimizing time in space can reduce radiation exposure, but more research is needed for long-term missions.
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Description
Explore the various dangers and challenges associated with space travel, including the design of spacecraft and the requirements for astronauts. Learn about the physical effects of g-forces during launch and the unique living conditions in space, such as weightlessness and disorientation.