J.H.E.F Space Station By: Hannah Power, Jersey Smith, Felicity Stead and Emily Power
1. Zero Gravity: How is the space station able to stay orbit around the earth? Due to inertia, a moving object continues in a straight line unless a force acts on it. The force of gravity pulls the space station towards the core of the planet (downwards). Gravity is the centripetal force on the satellite, pulling it towards the center of its orbit. Due to inertia and gravity the space station is always staying in orbit around the earth.
What effect will this have on the astronauts body? Reduced muscular strength Reduced bone strength Reduced coordination Blood volume will decrease- blood flows down to the legs because the baroreceptor signals used to control valves are ignored. This results in a shortage of blood to the head and upper body. The brain has also gotten used to receiving little data from the vestibular system. Once back in earth these sensors seem like a harsh picture of sounds and can result in dizziness or vertigo as the brain relearns the difference between up and down. https://youtu.be/k92hpetmywm
2. Solar Radiation: How does the space station protect itself and the people onboard from the suns heat? Space stations are designed with a thermal control system that keeps the astronauts cool and comfortable. In space there is no air for conduction and convection- space is a radiation dominated environment. The stations insulation is a highly reflective blanket called a multi-layer insulation made of Mylar and Dacron. This keeps solar radiation out and the temperatures of space from penetrating the stations metal.
3. Objects hitting the station: If an object hits the space station ( space junk ) how are we going to be able to repair any damage to the outside? Repairs in space happen all the time. Astronauts need the use of maneuvering units for motion and tethers required to keep them from floating off into oblivion. Special tools are designed for repairs in space There are systems in space to detect all debris bigger than 5cm, so that the spacecraft can avoid it. Repairs in space require planning. Due to danger it often takes months to come up with a safe practical plan for repair. With their space suits, planning and the proper equipment they are able to perform repairs on the outside of the space station as safely as possible.
1. What roles will the astronauts need to perform on your space station? Astronauts will need to perform repairs on the inside and outside of the space station. Astronauts will need scientists to conduct a variety of experiments inside the space station Astronauts will need doctors in space. Since there is no nearby hospital there needs to be someone onboard able to help with anyone who seeks medical attention. Astronauts will need pilots and engineers in space to control and program the space station.
2. Where will you get your food, air and water? Before the space station is sent to space all food will be taken aboard, it is packed and stored in refrigerated lockers. The astronauts follow a strict meal plan so no food is wasted. There is extra food to last them a few weeks incase of an emergency. Most of the food is dehydrated so it will not spoil. The space shuttle gets its water supply from fuel cells and it is recycled from the cabin air. Life support systems in the space station provide oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide. Electrolysis of water is the main method to generate oxygen on the space station. it is split oxygen and hydrogen. The oxygen is vented to the cabin air system and the other gas is vented externally.
3. Where are you going to sleep/use the bathroom? Astronauts use small closet like spaces which act as rooms. Since there is no gravity in space, its irrelevant to which position you sleep in. Upside down feels right side up. https://youtu.be/c- 65mBQ7s_Q Personal objects are placed in bunk like rooms, along with a computer attached onto something and a sleeping bag. To use the bathroom, there are small cubicles that have holes, with a small amount of suction. There is a tube used only for urine as well. There are baby wipes, toilet paper and disinfectant wipes located here too. https://youtu.be/uyfygee32f 0
4. How are you going to keep your body in shape? In our space station there is special workout equipment. This is because exercise is the main priority in space. While in space we lose bone muscle so it is important to keep as active and fit as possible. Tasks on the space station will be difficult if you are not fit, so it is a must. One of the common workout machines is called a cycle ergometer. its very similar to a stationary bike except you need to use clip peddles, back support and a handle because of lack of gravity to insure that you get the proper exercise.
5. Where will you get power? Our space station will get power from the sun. There is solar panels located on the outside of the space station to power everything needed on the station. The solar panels use particles of light to knock electrons free from atoms which generate a flow of electricity.
6. What will you do if parts of the space station break down? If parts of our space station break down all crew members will meet in a specific enclosed area on the space station. Nobody knows the seriousness of the damage. It may be punctured and we could be loosing air or there could be a leak which is causing toxic gas to enter the space station. There is a variety of possibilities in space. Everyone will come together with a plan to repair the space station and once the plan is formed they work together as fast and efficiently as possible to fix any damage to the station. In extreme cases of emergency there is a shuttle located to take crew members back to earth.
7. What will you do if you have to go outside to fix the station? If any astronaut needs to go outside to fix the station they ll have to get into their space suits. Before this they must go through a procedure to insure the suit is safe to go into space, They make sure the battery is recharged and the oxygen is full. Astronauts are never to work alone outside the space station, They will team up and go outside the station together. The astronauts will then go into an enclosed are where a door will be opened and they will be able to enter space. They will stay attached to some kind of cord so they dont wander to far from the station. When it is time to return inside the station the doors will open and they will then be able to reenter the enclosed area, then return inside the space station.