Space, the final frontier, is not an easy place to explore. For a spacecraft journeying through the vast cosmos, it needs a variety of tools and systems to keep its crew safe and sound. Whether it's a short trip to the International Space Station or a long voyage to Mars, the spacecraft must meet these important criteria:
The system must perform reliably in the harsh conditions of space.
It must be able to sustain the life of astronauts during emergencies.
The equipment must be lightweight enough for rockets to launch.
Now, let's take a closer look at the crucial equipment used for space travel.
1. Life Support and Control Systems
The life support and control systems of a spacecraft must be dependable, compact, and efficient. They are designed with advanced technology to ensure the survival and safety of astronauts during deep space exploration. Here are some of the measures taken:
Carbon dioxide and humidity are continuously filtered out to maintain breathable air inside the spacecraft.
To prevent water from damaging sensitive equipment or causing corrosion, the spacecraft is designed to avoid
condensation
on hardware.
Spacecraft designs aim to optimize space usage, providing enough room for essential supplies like food and water for missions lasting weeks or even months.
Food for space travel is chosen with care, avoiding crumbly items that could clutter the spacecraft.
Exercise equipment is essential in space to combat the effects of
zero-gravity
which can lead to muscle and bone deterioration.
Without a protective suit, a human can only survive about 15 seconds in the vacuum of space.
Spacecrafts are equipped with solar sails that reflect photons to propel them through space.
2. Advanced Optical Communication
Communication is a major challenge in space exploration. The vast distances involved mean that even simple messages can take a long time to transmit. NASA is working on a project that uses
lasers
to transfer data at speeds 10 to 100 times faster than current methods. This could significantly reduce the time it takes to send images from Mars to Earth.
3. Radiation Shielding
Spacecraft venturing beyond the Earth's magnetic field are exposed to much higher levels of radiation. This can pose a threat to both the astronauts and the onboard equipment. Therefore, effective radiation shielding is crucial to protect against health risks and equipment malfunctions.
Safety tethers are used to prevent astronauts from drifting away into space during extravehicular activities. These tethers, made of heat-resistant webbing, can extend up to 25 feet and are attached to a handrail on the spacecraft.
These are just a few examples of the essential equipment required for space travel. Designing these systems to withstand the extreme conditions of space while being user-friendly is one of the greatest challenges in engineering.
What are the essential systems required for space travel?
The essential systems include systems for living and breathing, high-speed optical communication, radiation protectors, safety tethers and more.
What is the role of high-speed optical communication in space travel?
High-speed optical communication is crucial for transmitting data between spacecraft and space stations on Earth at speeds 10 to 100 times faster than currently available.
Why are radiation protectors important for space travel?
As spacecraft travel beyond the protection of Earth’s magnetic field, they are exposed to harsher radiation that can disrupt critical equipment and cause health problems for humans.
What is the purpose of safety tethers in space travel?
Safety tethers protect astronauts from becoming space junk by attaching them to a handrail built into a space station’s truss.