Space Exploration Lecture Notes Flashcards

Space Exploration

Learning Intentions

• Describe the benefits of space exploration.
• Explain the dangers of space travel.
• Outline the future of space exploration for humans.
• Examine current hazards and benefits.

Keywords

• Exploration
• Astronauts
• Technology
• Hazards
• Density

Origins of Space Exploration

• Driven by the Cold War 'Race to the Moon' between the United States and Russia.
• The goal was to be the first to land astronauts on the Moon.
• Led to advancements in science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM).
• Enabled technologies to monitor Earth from space.

Hazards of Space Exploration

• Throughout history, there have been disasters, including loss of spacecraft and crew.
• Apollo 1 (1967): All three astronauts died in a fire during pre-launch tests.
• Apollo 13 (1970): An oxygen tank exploded, preventing the planned moon landing; the crew returned safely after hardships.

Benefits of Space Exploration

• Medicine: Heart monitors developed for astronauts are now used in hospitals.
• Materials:
  • Fireproof materials from space suits are now used in firefighter suits.
  • Materials that withstand extreme temperatures are used in fire-resistant materials in homes.
• Mobile Phone Cameras: Technology derived from spacecraft cameras.
• Computers: Lightweight technology developed for spacecraft is now used in all computers.
• Nutrition: Development of long-life, nutritious foods now found in supermarkets.
• Industry:
  • Lightweight, strong piping is now used in computer systems.
  • Cordless tools developed for space are widely used in households.
  • Robotics developed for spacecraft are used in manufacturing.

Key Moments and Figures

• 1958: NASA was established to send an American astronaut to the Moon.
• 1961: Yuri Gagarin (Russia) was the first human to orbit Earth.
• 1969: Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin (USA) were the first humans to walk on the Moon (Apollo 11).
• The Space Race occurred during the 1950s-1970s between the United States and Russia.