2.2 - Surviving There: Technologies for Living in Space

Question 1

What are the environmental hazards of living in space?

Answer 1

• Space is a vacuum, with no air or water
• Cosmic rays and solar radiation
• Meteoroids
• No atmosphere (provides gases, regulates temperature and air pressure)

Question 2

What are the psychological challenges of living in space?

Answer 2

• Long trips in a confined living space

Question 3

What is gravity?

Answer 3

The force of attraction between masses

Question 4

What is microgravity?

Answer 4

A condition in which the gravitational forces that act on an mass are greatly reduced (When the effects of gravity are greatly reduced)

Question 5

What are the effects that microgravity conditions can have on the human body?

Answer 5

• Bones expand
• Heart does not have to pump as hard
• Muscles weaken
• Depth perception is affected

Question 6

What is a space suit? What does it provide?

Answer 6

• The space suit is a mobile chamber that protects astronauts from space.
• Provides:
  
  • Atmosphere
  • Heating/Cooling systems
  • Communication

Question 7

True or False:

Almost 100% of the water is used

Answer 7

True

Question 8

What are the functions of the life-support system in space?

Answer 8

• Recycling wastewater
• Producing oxygen from recycled water (electrolysis)
• Removing carbon dioxide from the air
• Filtering the air
• Stabilizing air pressure, temp. and humidity