Technology and Space Exploration

The First Rocketeer

• A legend from 16th century China suggests that the first rocket-assisted flight was attempted by Wan-Hu, a Chinese official. Forty-seven rockets were attached to a chair that was connected to two kites. After all the rockets were ignited, there was a massive explosion. No traces of Wan-Hu, the chair, or the kites were ever found.

The Challenges of Space Exploration

1. Go fast enough to break free of Earth’s gravitational pull (at least 28 000 km/h)

2. Keep equipment operating in extreme environment of space

3. Transport people out and back safely

TO GET OFF THE PLANET

• 400 B.C. Greek mathematicians used escaping steam to propel a model pigeon along wires

• October 4, 1957, the Soviet Union became the first country to launch an artificial satellite Sputnik. (about as large as a basketball)

TO GET OFF THE PLANET

• A month later they tried to launch a capsule that contained a small dog named Laika, who survived for seven days as the capsule orbited Earth

• September 29, 1962 Canada was third nation to launch its own satellite, Alouette I.

TO GET OFF THE PLANET

The Science of Rocketry• For every action, there is an equal and

opposite reaction

The Rocket

• There are three basic parts to a rocket:– Structural/mechanical elements – includes engine,

storage tanks and fins outside– The Fuel – includes materials such as liquid

oxygen, gasoline, liquid hydrogen– The Payload – crew cabins, food, water, air, people

Space Transport Future

ION DRIVES:- Engines that use Xenon gas instead of chemical

fuels.- Xenon is electrically charged, accelerated, and

then emitted as exhaust- Thrust generated is 10 000 times weaker than

chemical fueled engines BUT only uses about 1/10 of what by used by chemical engines… So, it can last much much longer!

Space Transport Future

• SOLAR SAILS:• Similar to propelling boats using wind sails• Sun emits photons that hit the sails and

causes the spacecraft to move• Possibly made from material that could be

as thin as plastic wrap and extend over 400 m2. • Use is expected by 2015

Space Craft

• There are 3 main types of space craft in use:1. SHUTTLES – transport personnel and equipment

to orbiting space craft2. SPACE PROBES – contain instrumentation for

carrying out robotic exploration in space3. SPACE STATIONS – orbiting spacecraft that have

living quarters, work areas, and all the support systems needed to allow people to live and work in space for extended periods

SHUTTLES – transport personnel and equipment to orbiting space craft

SPACE PROBES – contain instrumentation for carrying out robotic exploration in space

SPACE STATIONS – orbiting spacecraft that have living quarters, work areas, and all the support systems needed to allow people to live and work in space for extended periods