Unit 5: Lesson 2Manned Space

Exploration

Big Question: What are the accommodations that allow for manned space

exploration?

• What does “accommodation(s)” mean?–Accommodation = adjustment (how a

need is met)

• What is “manned” space exploration?–Manned = human –Manned space craft = humans on the

space craft– Unmanned space craft = NO humans on

the space craft

Accommodations: How do astronauts survive in the

harsh space environment?

• Accommodation 1:

–Space Suit•An astronaut would become unconscious within 15 seconds because there is no oxygen.

• Accommodation 1: – Space Suit• An astronaut’s blood would boil and then freeze

because there is little or no air pressure (no atmosphere)– In sunlight, space is 248 degrees Fahrenheit– In shade, space is -148 degrees Fahrenheit

• Accommodation 1: – Space Suit• An astronaut would be exposed to solar radiation,

which could quickly cause cancer.

– Accommodation 2: Exercise• Microgravity has negative effects on bones.

– physical stress on bones decreases = decreased boned density

• exercise keeps bones dense (so they don’t deteriorate)

Unit 5: Lesson 2Manned Space

Exploration

Accommodations: How can we travel to outer

space?

–Space Shuttle• Job: Space Shuttles are reusable vehicles that take humans to space.

• Space Probe– Job: Probes are

vehicles that carry sophisticated instruments / technology but NO human crew.

– They explore the solar system and collect data.

–Rocket• Job: Rockets are used to

deliver satellites into orbits in space. They do NOT carry humans. –What is a satellite?

»A satellite is a moon, planet or machine that orbits a planet or star.

• Example: Earth is a satellite because it orbits the sun. • lExample: The moon is a

satellite because it orbits Earth.

– International Space Station• Job: The ISS is a satellite that serves as

a home for scientists (astronauts) while they perform scientific research and experiments.

How can we travel so far? Don’t we run out of fuel?

–Sling Shot Effect• The slingshot effect is used to speed up a spacecraft in a planetary flyby.

• This saves fuel and allows the spacecraft to travel faster.• • The slingshot effect resembles a pin-ball machine (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPLDAyICq2Y)