Space Exploration

Question 1

Outline the structure of the universe. What are the three types of galaxy? What structures are galaxies grouped in? What is dark matter? What are Voids and filaments?

Answer 1

The large scale structure of the universe is made up of voids and filaments, that can be broken down into superclusters, clusters, galaxy groups, galaxy and then subsequently to stars and solar systems such as our own.

• Galaxies come in three main types elliptical, spiral and irregular.
• Galaxies are grouped together in structures called galaxy groups, clusters and then super clusters on a larger scale. A peculiar property of clusters is that the velocities of their galaxies are too high to remain bunched together but yet they are because of dark matter.
• Dark matter is believed to provide the gravitational force that keeps galaxies bunched together.
• Filaments are large threadlike structures made up of galaxies, clusters and superclusters. Voids are vast empty bubbles of space .

Question 2

Model a Scientific theory to illustrate the structure of the universe (The Big Bang). How old is the universe? How can we look back at the birth of the universe? What is a singularity? How was the universe created?

Answer 2

The universe is over 13.82 billion years old.

By studying a phenomenon known as the cosmic microwave background we can attempt to understand the origins of our universe.
There is no machinery capable of looking back at the universe’s birth so therefore we use mathematics formulas and model.

The theory of the Big Bang goes that the universe began as a singularity. Singularity’s are zones which defy our current understanding of Physics. They are thought to exist at the centre of black holes.
A process known as inflation caused the singularity to expand with large bursts of heat and the basic compounds of the universe.

Question 3

Name three current hazards of space exploration.

Answer 3

• Cold weather
• Radiation
• Behavioural issues

Question 4

Outline the benefits of Space Exploration.

Answer 4

There are many benefits of space exploration. For example technology developed for use in space exploration can be used on Earth in many different fields such as health, agriculture and even the prediction of natural disasters.
Space stations allow us to monitor the signs of climate change as well as levels of pollution.
Space Exploration helps us to answer many questions about the human body such as:
-The effects of gravity on our bodies
-What happens to plants in space?

Question 5

Discuss the future of space exploration and the implications this might have on society.

Answer 5

• NASA’s first asteroid sample return mission OSIRIS-REx launched in 2018 and is planned to land on an asteroid collect samples and return them to Earth for study.
• The race will soon be on to one of our two planet neighbours. Plans are already in place for a mission to Mars in the coming decades. The plan is for NASA’s Orion spacecraft to carry astronauts to the moon to build and begin challenging systems needed for a longer mission for Mars. Ultimately NASA plans to send humans to the red planet.
• There will be large consequences on society with the increase in a space exploration. Space exploration is expensive and the taxpayer will end up funding these missions instead of work on vital services here on Earth.
• Space will become the new battleground of industry with companies moving into the sky’s. This will have negative consequences on prices causing ordinary people to have to adapt and change to the new industrial changes.

Question 6

Explain how cold weather is a hazard of space exploration.

Answer 6

Cold weather can cause rubber seals in booster rockets to become leaky. This can lead to the fuel tank exploding from the leaking flames. This is what happened during the Challenger disaster.

Question 7

Explain how behavioural issues is a hazard of space exploration. How is this prevented?

Answer 7

behavioural issues is a large problem in space. This is why crews are chosen carefully to make sure they work well as a team.

Question 8

Explain how Radiation is a hazard of Space Exploration?

Answer 8

Radiation comes from the sun and is invisible. Once a ship has left the orbit of Earth it does not have the protection of Earth’s magnetic field. Radiation is dangerous and exposure to radiation can cause cancer and damage to the central nervous system. Astronauts where white space suits when leaving the shuttle because white reflects the light reducing risk of radiation. Ships also need to be covered in protective material to protect the astronauts inside the spacecraft.