Astronaut Life In Outer Space
Imagine a driver pulls up to the nearest gas station to refuel his car. As he proceeds to fill up his tank, gas floats above the car, around the car, anywhere but in the tank. This is exactly what happens in outer space, since fluids and objects are directionless in a zero gravity environment. With the help of ferrofluid, however, astronauts are able to direct fuels and liquids through the use of a magnetic field.
Just as scientists conduct experiments in labs, so do astronauts on space stations, except that those in space are the experiment, as they live without gravity for months on end. Each mission provides more information about the universe in general, and the human body in particular as it adjusts to microgravity. Since space exploration began, research has led to thousands of innovative solutions and technologies that help people in both atmospheres. The ergonomic chair is just one small example, the computer microchip far more known.
A Home Far, Far, Far Away
Just like those on earth, astronauts are advised to eat three meals a day. Actually, meals are a requirement, as proper nutrients and calories combat the immediate weight loss and the lack of appetite due to weightlessness. Although packaged and dehydrated, the diet is not bland as all types of foods are included from snacks to seafood. Cold or hot water is added to foods and drinks via a rehydration dispenser. Since the electronic appliance is inside the space station, ferrofluid is not required. Condiments are even available, but only in liquid form, as salt and pepper specks may float around the ship, likely to be sucked into vents. In additional, food packaging must be properly disposed of in a trash receptacle, to prevent flying food particles from contaminating the space station.
While most people enjoy a regular change in clothes, station crewmembers are not known for their extensive wardrobes in space. Each item taken aboard costs money, so clothes are limited to what is worn at takeoff with few replacements. After a mission launches, it is pretty much the same pair of pants and shirt, changed every ten days with a couple of sweaters and shorts thrown in for good measure. Running shoes are provided for exercising: one pair designed for a treadmill, a second pair for stationary bicycling. Astronauts who exercise are able to replace clothes more often but the bigger benefit is not a new outfit but preventing muscle atrophy. Underwear and socks are changed on alternating days, regardless. There is no washing machine on board. If clothes are worn out, they are kept in a bag for disposal, which is burned upon returning to Earth.
Outerwear has even less variety, although suits for space walking differ from coveralls for working inside and gear for re-entering the earth?s atmosphere. A big responsibility of being an astronaut is the space walk outside the station, not a routine event. Sometimes this dangerous venture is required to perform maintenance on coolant systems, which prevent the station from overheating. Liquid ammonia and nitrogen are transferred into the tanks through connected hoses. Without the help of ferrofluid, fuels would simply gravitate off into space.
Just as scientists conduct experiments in labs, so do astronauts on space stations, except that those in space are the experiment, as they live without gravity for months on end. Each mission provides more information about the universe in general, and the human body in particular as it adjusts to microgravity. Since space exploration began, research has led to thousands of innovative solutions and technologies that help people in both atmospheres. The ergonomic chair is just one small example, the computer microchip far more known.
A Home Far, Far, Far Away
Just like those on earth, astronauts are advised to eat three meals a day. Actually, meals are a requirement, as proper nutrients and calories combat the immediate weight loss and the lack of appetite due to weightlessness. Although packaged and dehydrated, the diet is not bland as all types of foods are included from snacks to seafood. Cold or hot water is added to foods and drinks via a rehydration dispenser. Since the electronic appliance is inside the space station, ferrofluid is not required. Condiments are even available, but only in liquid form, as salt and pepper specks may float around the ship, likely to be sucked into vents. In additional, food packaging must be properly disposed of in a trash receptacle, to prevent flying food particles from contaminating the space station.
While most people enjoy a regular change in clothes, station crewmembers are not known for their extensive wardrobes in space. Each item taken aboard costs money, so clothes are limited to what is worn at takeoff with few replacements. After a mission launches, it is pretty much the same pair of pants and shirt, changed every ten days with a couple of sweaters and shorts thrown in for good measure. Running shoes are provided for exercising: one pair designed for a treadmill, a second pair for stationary bicycling. Astronauts who exercise are able to replace clothes more often but the bigger benefit is not a new outfit but preventing muscle atrophy. Underwear and socks are changed on alternating days, regardless. There is no washing machine on board. If clothes are worn out, they are kept in a bag for disposal, which is burned upon returning to Earth.
Outerwear has even less variety, although suits for space walking differ from coveralls for working inside and gear for re-entering the earth?s atmosphere. A big responsibility of being an astronaut is the space walk outside the station, not a routine event. Sometimes this dangerous venture is required to perform maintenance on coolant systems, which prevent the station from overheating. Liquid ammonia and nitrogen are transferred into the tanks through connected hoses. Without the help of ferrofluid, fuels would simply gravitate off into space.
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