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