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Using Space Science on Earth
Chapter 2, Section 4 p58-62
The Challenges of Space
• Space conditions very different from Earth conditions– Near vacuum– Extreme temperatures– Microgravity
The Challenges of Space
• Vacuum– Vacuum: place empty of all matter• Only a few atoms and molecules
– Spacecraft must be airtight to protect astronauts• No air = no oxygen to breathe
The Challenges of Space
• Extreme temperatures– Spacecraft must be well insulated to protect
astronauts• No air = nothing to hold sun’s heat
– Direct sunlight heat spacecraft to high temperatures– Shadows cool spacecraft to very low temperatures
The Challenges of Space
• Microgravity– Microgravity: feeling of weightlessness astronauts
experience in orbit• Mass remains constant• Weight measures zero
– Gravity still pulling• Earth’s gravity holds astronauts in orbit• Inertia keep astronauts moving forward• “Falling” around the Earth
The Challenges of Space
• Microgravity– Systems & devices must be able to work• Drink containers
– Designed so contents don’t float off
• People– Long periods can cause health problems
Space Spinoffs
• Space spinoff: an item originally developed for use in space but has uses on Earth– The space program has developed thousands of
products that affect many aspects of modern society including:• Consumer products• New materials• Medical devices• Communications satellites
– Often modified somewhat for use on Earth
Space Spinoffs
• Consumer Products– Joystick controller
• Space use: operate lunar rover on moon• Earth use: video games; wheelchairs
– Bar codes• Space use: keep inventory of many spacecraft parts• Earth use: price & info on products you buy
– Cordless power tools• Space use: no power outlets in space• Earth use: convenient no needing outlets
Space Spinoffs
• Other Consumer Products– Scratch resistant lenses– Freeze dried foods– Shock absorbing helmets– Smoke detectors
Space Spinoffs
• New Materials– Memory metals
• Metals that “remember” their shape when bent• Flexible metal eyeglass frames
– Composite materials• Light, strong spacecraft components• Tennis rackets & golf clubs
– Shock absorbing materials• Astronaut moon boots• Athletic shoes
Space Spinoffs
• New Materials (continued)
– Clear, ceramic material• Tough materials for spacecraft• “Invisible” dental braces
– Highly efficient insulating materials• Protect spacecraft against radiation• Used in houses, cars, trucks
– Fire resistant material• Developed for spacesuits• Used in fireproof clothing and firefighter suits
Space Spinoffs
• Medical Devices– Devices use lasers to clean clogged arteries– Long-life batteries• Used in space power systems• Used in pacemakers
– Computer-aided imaging techniques• Developed for use on moon during Apollo missions• Used in hospitals
Space Spinoffs
• Others– Fog-free lenses• Used in Apollo helmet now used in ski goggles
– Bicycle helmet• NASA helped design lightweight helmet with vents
– Metal alloy of nickel & titanium• Used for space antennas now used in dental braces
– Miniature parts• Developed for space now used in artificial limbs
Satellites
• Satellites are used for:– Communications• Relay television signals from one place to another• Relay telephone signals and computer data
– Collecting weather data– Collecting other scientific data
Satellites
• Observation satellites collect data– Track weather systems– Map Earth’s surface– Observe changes in Earth’s environment– Produce images from collected data• Remote sensing: collection of information about Earth
and other space objects without being in direct contact– Vegetation patterns– Amount of rainfall over wide area– Oil deposits underground
Satellites
• Satellites placed in different orbits– Geostationary orbit: satellite that orbits Earth at
the same rate as Earth rotates staying over the same place on Earth at all times• Most communication satellites
Homework
• Read Chapter 2, Section 4, p58-62• Answer ?s 1-3 p62