Space, Health and Life

Space

• The vast, three-dimensional expanse beyond Earth's atmosphere.

• Characterized by near-perfect vacuum, extreme temperatures, and microgravity.

• Contains celestial objects and radiation.

Planets

large, spherical objects orbiting a star

Stars

massive spheres of hot gas that produce energy through nuclear fusion

Galaxies

vast collections of stars, gas, dust, and dark matter

Nebulae

clouds of gas and dust where stars are born

Black holes

regions of spacetime with extremely strong gravity that nothing, not even light, can escape.

Asteroids

rocky objects orbiting the Sun, mainly in the asteroid belt.

Comets

icy bodies with a tail when near the Sun.

Radiation

various forms of energy, including electromagnetic waves and particles, emitted by celestial bodies.

Dark Matter

mysterious substance that makes up most of the universe's mass.

Dark energy

force causing the universe to expand at an accelerating rate.

Light-year

the distance light travels in one year (approximately 9.46 trillion kilometers).

Proxima Centauri

Nearest star to Earth that is about 4.24 light-years away.

light therapy

Simulating a natural light-dark cycle with artificial light. Astronauts can use_______ lamps to help regulate their sleep-wake cycles.

Shielding

Spacecraft are designed with materials to block radiation, such as aluminum and water.

Telemedicine

Doctors on Earth can remotely monitor astronauts' health and provide medical advice using real-time data and video conferencing.

Crew selection

Selecting astronauts with good mental health and the ability to cope with isolation and stress.

Soviet Union

Launched Sputnik 1, the first artificial satellite in 1957, marking the beginning of the Space Age.

Yuri Gagarin

the first human in space in 1961.

Alan Shepard

Project Mercury focused on human spaceflight, with __________ as the first American in space.

Apollo

_______ program achieved the historic Moon landing with Neil Armstrong in 1969.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

What is the meaning of NASA?

Roscosmos

Russian state corporation responsible for space activities.

CSA

Space agency of the Canadian government.

JAXA

Japan's national space agency.

ISRO

India's national space agency.

CNSA

China's civilian space agency.

Rockets

Vehicles designed to launch payloads into space.

Satellites

Orbiting objects used for communication, weather monitoring, Earth observation, etc.

Space Shuttles

Reusable spacecraft designed to transport crew and cargo to and from low Earth orbit.

Space stations

Large structures in orbit for long-term human habitation and research.

Microgravity

• Causes bone density loss, muscle atrophy, and cardiovascular changes.

• Affects balance, coordination, and spatial orientation.

Isolation and confinement

• Limited space, resources, and social interaction.

• Can lead to psychological stress and decreased performance.

Stress and Anxiety

• Pressure of mission, isolation, and potential dangers.

• Can impact decision-making and teamwork.

Sleep disturbances

• Irregular sleep patterns due to shift work and noise.

• Can affect cognitive function and mood.

Propulsion systems

Development of efficient and powerful engines for long-distance travel.

Life support systems

Maintaining breathable air, water, and food supply for extended periods.

Radiation shielding

Protecting astronauts from harmful radiation.

Communication systems

Reliable communication with Earth over vast distances.

Future of space exploration

Space tourism, space colonization, space sustainability