Astronomy - Dangers Of Living In Space - Teacher Notes PDF

Dangers of Living in Space Date: Name: Humans are designed for the conditions on Earth: the gravitational strength, the protective atmosphere and magnetosphere. To learn how to survive away from the conditions of Earth, we need to understand how the human body is...

Dangers of Living in Space Date: Name: Humans are designed for the conditions on Earth: the gravitational strength, the protective atmosphere and magnetosphere. To learn how to survive away from the conditions of Earth, we need to understand how the human body is affected by being in space. Getting to Space Space shuttles and habitats, like the International Space Station (ISS) need to be carefully designed and reinforced to deal with tiny objects that can make a huge impact. Micrometeoroids – small particles of rock in space – move with such high speeds that they could puncture holes in metal. Imagine how dangerous it would be for this to cause an air leak in the ISS – or worse, travel through an astronaut! A special shielding with a thin foil that can vaporize the micrometeoroid before it strikes the spacecraft, reducing the risk of damage. In order to become an astronaut, NASA requires candidates to have a degree in engineering, biological science, physical science, computer science or mathematics, plus 3 years additional experience in their field. Alternatively, 1000 hours of piloting jet aircraft. There are also physical tests and height range restrictions. In order to launch to space, astronauts will experience extreme gravitational forces, also called g-forces. An acceleration of “1 g” is equal to the acceleration of gravity on Earth. This is about 9.8 m/s2. During launch, astronauts need to be able to tolerate three times this acceleration toward space. Astronauts and test pilots train for higher g-force scenarios to reduce the risk of losing consciousness, as blood travels away from their heads. © Michelle Brosseau, Mrs. Brosseau’s Binder Effects of living in space Upon arriving at the ISS, the feeling of weightlessness and the change in day-night cycles disorients the astronauts. Astronauts do get sick in space, but their coordination and balance improve throughout their stay. Fun Fact: Since the astronauts are in freefall around the Earth in the ISS, the gases in their stomach don’t separate from the liquids and solids. That makes burping in space more like vomiting! Living in space is not glamourous. Astronauts’ days are planned out with many tasks and little downtime. One of the least glamorous parts of the ISS is the bathroom. Human bodies are designed for Earth’s gravity. The heart pumps blood around the body accommodating for the force of gravity. In the International Space Station, astronauts experience a “puffy face” because the heart is pumping fluids to the top of the body and gravity is not pulling the fluids back down. Since the astronauts in the ISS are constantly in free-fall around Earth they feel weightless. Without the Earth against their feet, astronauts do not require as much muscle. They can easily get around the ISS by gently pushing against a wall. Astronauts can very quickly lose muscle mass. Astronauts need to exercise for hours a day and do not have access to conventional showers. © Michelle Brosseau, Mrs. Brosseau’s Binder The longer the astronauts stay in space, the more their bodies change. The feeling of weightlessness not only affects their muscles, but also decreases their bone density. This can lead to more bone fractures and osteoporosis when the astronauts return to Earth. A temporary change is that astronauts are taller in space because their spine is not compressed due to gravity. Once they touchdown back on Earth they will begin to return to their normal height. Long space missions can be isolating and monotonous. How might you feel being How would you manage Would you sign-up for a with the same few people doing the same tasks day one-way mission to Mars? each day, with little after day for months or privacy, far from your years? family and friends? One of the major effects of living in space is the increase in exposure to cosmic radiation. On Earth, the magnetosphere and atmosphere block much of this radiation. In space, whether it is on the ISS, the Moon, Mars or beyond, exposure to radiation from the Sun can have terrible results. Radiation can cause cancer, as well as cataracts in eyes resulting in vision problems. Limiting the amount of time in space is a good way to reduce radiation exposure, but more needs research needs to be done to determine how to mitigate the risk for long missions. © Michelle Brosseau, Mrs. Brosseau’s Binder Independent Practice Q1. What part of space exploration would make you want to go to space? What part of space exploration would make you not want to go to space? Student answers may vary. Example response: I would want to go to space so I could see Earth from a new perspective. Also, I would want to be one of the few people who have been to space. I would not want to go to space because of the danger and risk involved. Q2. What negative effects does weightlessness have on the human body? Are there any advantages to being in a weightless environment? Weightlessness can cause astronauts to lose muscle mass very quickly and to have decreased bone density, which can cause bone fractures and osteoporosis once they return to Earth. A weightless environment can be an advantage for some astronauts if they want to be a couple of inches taller while in space. Q3. For each of the following, classify them as a danger or an inconvenience by circling the option. Expand on this by including your reasoning. No showers on the ISS Danger Inconvenience Reasoning: Astronauts not having access to showers does not pose an immediate or long-term threat to their health. It is inconvenient to not have showers, but it will not have any negative health affects on the astronauts. High g-forces during launch Danger Inconvenience Reasoning: Astronauts experiencing high g-forces during launch is dangerous and could have negative health affects if they are not properly trained. High g-forces causes blood to travel away from the astronaut’s head which could cause a loss of consciousness. Isolation Danger Inconvenience Reasoning: Though astronauts need to pass physical tests, and astronauts have some medical training, if a medical emergency were to occur the astronauts cannot go to a hospital for medical attention. Micrometeoroids Danger Inconvenience Reasoning: Micrometeoroids travel at high enough speeds that they could puncture holes in metal and cause an air leak. This could lead to an extremely dangerous situation for astronauts. Cosmic Radiation Danger Inconvenience Reasoning: Exposure to cosmic radiation is dangerous, it can cause cancer as well as cataracts. © Michelle Brosseau, Mrs. Brosseau’s Binder