Space unit Life in Space

Your power point will contain 10 slides Title page with name and heading A description of your topic that answers the fundamental questions (7.9A or 7.9B). At least two pictures that are related to your topic. List of websites used to obtain information

You will create a power point on your assigned topic 7.9 A - Characteristics of solar systems that allow for life. proximity to the Sun presence of water atmospheric composition magnetic field equipment and instruments to study solar systems such as satellites, probes, telescopes, etc. 7.9 B – Accommodations for life in space extreme temperature variations the vacuum of space microgravity environment specialized life support systems space craft space suits communication

7.9 A Fundamental Questions What characteristics of our solar system support the existence of life? How have scientists gathered data about the characteristics of distant objects in our solar system? How does the distance from the Sun affect the conditions necessary for life? How does the presence and composition of an atmosphere affect the conditions necessary for life? How does the presence of a magnetic field affect the conditions necessary for life? How does the presence of water affect the conditions necessary for life?

7.9B What are some of the extreme conditions in space that challenge manned space exploration? What are some of the key life support systems built into a space suit? How does the microgravity environment in space affect astronauts' bodies? What are some of the accommodations that have been developed to help astronauts move and complete tasks when working in microgravity environments in space? What are some examples of technology used by astronauts to communicate and perform a variety of tasks while in space?

Websites for your research Leaving Earth Overcoming gravity: http://www.aeronautics.nasa.gov/fap/all_about_flight.html http://www.nasa.gov/centers/glenn/shuttlestation/station/microgex.html Slingshot effect: http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=how-does- the-slingshot-ef Orbiting: http://spaceplace.nasa.gov/how-orbits-work/en/ Distances in space: http://janus.astro.umd.edu/astro/distance/ Effects of Microgravity on the Body http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/pdf/educator-microgravity_science_stu.pdf http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=how-does-spending- prolong http://www.nsbri.org/DISCOVERIES-FOR-SPACE-and-EARTH/The-Body-in-Space/ http://www.pbs.org/spacestation/station/living_microgravity.htm Continued on next slide

Pressure, Temperature, and Atmosphere Changes Space suits - images and history: http://web.mit.edu/16.00/www/aec/spacesuit.html Space suits - inside spacecraft: http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/living/spacewear/index.html Space suit construction: http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/143351main_Build.It.With.Spacewalks.pdf http://www.pbs.org/spacestation/station/living_spacesuit.htm Space Food http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/living/spacefood/index.html http://www.nasa.gov/centers/johnson/pdf/167750main_FS_SpaceFo od508c.pdf http://www.pbs.org/spacestation/station/living_eating.htm Continued on next slide

Waste Management http://indianapublicmedia.org/amomentofscience/waste-in-space/ http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at- nasa/2001/ast03apr_2/ http://www.pbs.org/spacestation/station/living_sanitation.htm Living and Working in Space http://www.nasa.gov/centers/johnson/pdf/167746main_FS_LivingandW orkinginSpace508c.pdf http://www.pbs.org/spacestation/station/living_sleeping.htm Spacecraft Space Shuttle construction: http://www.nasa.gov/returntoflight/system/system_Orbiter.html International Space Station construction: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/main/onthestation/facts_ and_figures.html

Background info for questions 7.9A Concepts There are many requirements for life, as currently understood, to exist and persist. Characteristics of objects in our solar system such as proximity to the Sun, presence of water, atmospheric composition and a magnetic field contribute to the ability to support life. Data about the characteristics of objects in our solar system have been gathered using telescopes, satellites and unmanned probes. Proximity to the Sun contributes to temperature ranges experienced by a celestial body. Distances that are too close or too far from that Sun create extreme temperature conditions that are considered inhospitable to life. The presence and composition of an atmosphere contributes to the ability of life to exist. Atmospheric gases help regulate extreme temperature variations and ozone in the atmosphere shields living things from harmful ultraviolet radiation. The magnetosphere, formed by Earth’s magnetic field, protects life from the charged particles of the solar wind. Earth is known as the water planet with about 70% of its surface covered by water. All life on Earth depends upon the presence of water. There is geological evidence that liquid water was once present on the surface of Mars. Scientists speculate that water exists, in various states of matter, on other celestial bodies in our solar system

Background info for questions Extreme temperature variations, the vacuum of space, and a microgravity environment are all factors that require design accommodations that enable manned space exploration. Specialized life support systems are required by astronauts in space vehicles, within the space station, and in space suits. Space suit technology provides a life support system for the astronaut by regulating temperature and pressure, as well as providing oxygen and protection from the space environment. Astronauts must exercise regularly while in space because a microgravity environment can cause muscles and bones to become weak and less dense. Handles, tethers and Velcro® straps are accommodations that help astronauts to move around, sleep safely and complete other tasks that normally utilize the force of gravity. Astronauts must use complex radios and computers in order to communicate with one another and with a mission team on Earth. These instruments also help them conduct research and repair damaged equipment and satellites.