NSW HSC Senior Science 9.9 SPACE. Section 6

Transcription

1 NSW HSC Senior Science 9.9 SPACE Section 6 Space Spin-offs

2 Section 6 :: Space Spin offs The technologies developed for space exploration have impacted on many different aspects of society a Identify some of the materials used in spacesuits and relate their properties to the conditions that astronauts may experience b Identify many of the spin-offs from space programs that have impacted on consumers including Life support systems Pacemakers Thermal blankets Ceramics Miniaturisation of computer systems, calculators, mobile phones Composite materials from carbon fibres Foodstuffs Packaging and compare the original use of the material to its current use in society i Gather and analyse information from secondary sources to assess the impact that spin-offs from space research have had on society and debate the value in continuing the space program 2

3 9.9.6.a Identify some of the materials used in spacesuits and relate their properties to the conditions that astronauts may experience Materials used in a space suit In early space missions a space suit was worn all the time. Today a space suit is now only required when the astronaut launches, undergoes re-entry and performs an extravehicular activity or EVA outside the space shuttle or space station. The suit worn for EVA is different to the space suit worn for launch and re-entry. It is a completely self-contained unit providing all the requirements for life-support while protecting the astronaut from the hazards of the space environment. Materials used in a Space Suit Inner garment is made from stretchable spandex (lycra) laced with small diameter plastic tubes that carry chilled water. Properties - Lycra is a stretchy material that would feel comfortable on the skin. It does not break down with exposure to body oils or detergents and therefore is long lasting. Next layer It consists of a urethane coated nylon and a cover layer of pressure-restraining Dacron. Dacron has high tensile strength, high resistance to stretching and good resistance to degradation to chemicals. With the urethane coated nylon this combination forms a strong, air tight layer Outer layer - Several layers of alumiumised Mylar covered with Dacron topped with a layer of Gortex, Nomex and Kevlar. Aluminised Mylar provides a micrometeorite shield. It is also very resistant to heat. Kevlar is a lightweight, strong, a good insulator and does not shrink or expand between a wide range of temperatures. Nomex will not decompose, melt or char when burnt. It is thermally stable and is resistant to ultra-violet rays. The helmet is made from a polycarbonate shell. Conditions experienced by astronauts The purpose of this layer is to cool the body. Astronauts out on EVA activity are working quite hard. The body heat released can quickly build up inside a spacesuit, leading to heat exhaustion. The water is circulated around the body. Excess body heat is absorbed into the water and carried away. In the near vacuum of space, the air pressure is too low to prevent body fluids from boiling. The purpose of this layer is to maintain the required air pressure on the body. Micrometeoroids constantly bombard the space shuttle. The space suit must resist the penetration of these or death may result. The astronaut must also be protected from radiation from the sun as well as prevent the loss of body heat to space. A 3 rd problem is the extremes range of temperatures in the space environment. The temperature on the side facing the sun could be C while the side facing away from the sun could be C. The purpose of the outer layer is to protect against micrometeoroids, radiation and the extreme temperatures in space. The visor is clear for good vision but protects the face from UV, infrared and visible light radiation. 3

4 9.9.6.b Identify many of the spin-offs from space programs that have impacted on consumers including life support systems, pacemakers, thermal blankets, ceramics, miniaturisation of computer systems, calculators, mobile phones, composite materials from carbon fibres, foodstuffs, packaging and compare the original use of the material to its current use in society Spin offs from the space program Spin offs are technologies that have been transferred to uses other than their original use in the space program. Original use of technology in the space program Life Support Systems - Fire fighter breathing system Use of the technology in everyday life NASA began working to improve fire fighter breathing systems in the 1970 s. They used space technology developed from the portable life support systems used by astronauts on the moon. The traditional breathing system was heavy, mobility restricting and tiring. Many fire fighters preferred not to use the equipment. As a result, smoke inhalation injuries were on the rise. The NASA developed system is lighter, smaller and allows for mobility. It includes a facemask, frame, harness, warning device and an air bottle. The new facemask provides better visibility. The warning device lets the fire fighter know when air in the bottle is low. The air cylinder was made lighter and slimmer by using aluminium/composite materials. The frame and harness were easier to put on and take off, and the system's weight shifted from shoulders to hips, greatly improving wearer comfort. Thermal blankets Aluminised Mylar (Mylar is the shiny material used in foil balloons) was originally developed to make satellites more reflective and for space suit insulation. It also protected astronauts and their spacecraft's delicate instruments from radiation. On earth, it has been developed for survival blankets and reflective insulating material for water heaters and home insulation. The reflective capabilities are used to retain body heat and provide a barrier from hot and cold temperatures. Ceramics Ceramic research for space applications has created braces for teeth, which are not only strong but also more aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Tiny ceramic "beads" were developed by NASA to be included in the space shuttle tiles to protect it from the extreme heat during re-entry. These tiny "thermos bottles" act as a barrier to heat, and reflect heat away from the protected surface. Source When mixed with paint they provide a reflecting heat barrier to your homes walls, ceilings and roof. Imagine the energy savings when you can reflect 80-90% of the heat away from your home or commercial building. The ceramic additive is designed to save money by lowering energy costs while improving the level of comfort within a home or business. 4

5 Pacemaker - Space Application and Spin-off Source A pacemaker is a small implantable electronic device that restores an appropriate heart rhythm in people whose native rhythm is too slow or irregular. The pacemaker, or pulse generator, monitors the heart s rate and, when necessary, delivers low-energy electrical impulses that stimulate a suitable heartbeat. An external programming unit (telemetry transceiver) enables a physician to set the pacemaker to provide a particular type of therapy and also to retrieve information about ongoing cardiac activity and pacemaker performance. Pacemakers enable many people with heart rhythm disorders to make a greater contribution to society. Three NASA-developed technologies have been used in pacemakers. Using technology for spacecraft electrical power systems a rechargeable, long-life pacemaker battery was developed. Micro-miniaturization space technology was used to produce the first single-chip pacemaker. Communications technology linking Earth stations and orbiting satellites also enables doctors to communicate with pacemakers implanted in the human body. Bi-directional telemetry, the NASA-developed technology for two-way communication with satellites was also used. This means of communicating with an implanted pacemaker and reprogramming it without the need for surgery is now the industry standard. Composites For lighter Structures Research into lighter and stronger materials is constantly occurring. Composite materials are Epoxy resins, the type most widely used as composite matrix materials, have excellent mechanical properties and can be processed easily, but they are limited to applications where temperatures do not exceed F degrees Fahrenheit. NASA scientists developed a composite material consisting of a fabric woven of carbon fibre impregnated with a high-temperature resin, called PMR-15. This could withstand temperatures up to F and allows fabrication of high-quality fibre-reinforced composites. The composite became a lightweight, low-cost substitute for titanium in the F/A 18 fighter aircraft engine duct. Initially cloth-like in appearance, the material is cut, layered, and shaped, then cured, with the fibres and resin being moulded under pressure into a component that looks metallic but weighs about 15 percent less than the predecessor titanium duct. Lightweight, strong, shock room the absorbing composite materials of fibres and resins used in many space applications have been taken advantage of for helmets, tennis rackets and other sporting goods. For example, an advanced composite material used for the space station has been utilised as super elastic inserts in golf clubs to produce greater spin on the ball as well as greater control. Reinforced carbon fibre, lightweight, strong heat resistant material used on spacecraft, now used extensively for sporting goods. 5

6 Miniaturisation of computer systems, calculators, mobile phones The need to reduce weight continues for spacecraft probing the solar system, so there has been a need to reduce electrical equipment to something as small as possible. eg Cameras small enough to worn on a surgeon s forehead can allow medical students to directly observe surgical techniques. Computers had to be reduced in size to fit on manned spacecraft. Calculators were developed to reduce the chance of human error and speed up calculations. Smaller communication systems such as mobile phones were developed to promote more effective communication in the large space facilities. Foodstuffs NASA had recognised that for extended flights, such as the Apollo moon missions, it was necessary for meals to be as normal as possible. As a consequence NASA conducted research into food storage and preparation. One process used by NASA to keep food fresh was freeze-drying food. This process had been originally developed for preserving blood plasma during World War II. In the process, the food is frozen and then most of the moisture is removed from the frozen object. The technology is now extensively used in the snack food (snack food bars) industry. Source Packaging?????? 6

7 9.9.6.i Gather and analyse information from secondary sources to assess the impact that spin-offs from space research have had on society and debate the value in continuing the space program The impact of Space Spin-offs Assess the impact that space spin-offs from space research have had on society. How to Answer The question provides no structure, yet it requires an extended answer. In order to answer the question a plan needs to be developed. The steps below show one way of developing a plan. Step 1 Step 2 Underline and recall meanings of the important words in the question Impact, space, spin-offs, society Circle the KEY (Board of Studies) verb in the question. Recall the meaning of the verb(s) Assess Make a judgement of value, quality, outcomes, results or size Step 3 a. Gather and read the secondary information about spin-offs b. Analyse the information and make notes in point form. The notes should relate to the following points. Outline the range of spin-offs Describe, explain or discuss some impacts of these spin-offs on individuals in society or on society in general. Compare the claims made by NASA to other views expressed about the value of spin-offs. Make a judgement on the impact of space spin-offs. Step 4 Write your answer Useful sources of information Interesting sites for claims that reject the benefits of spin-offs can be found at: and then do a Groups search instead of a Web search Marking Criteria Marks Defines a spin-off 4-5 Outlines a range of spin-offs Describes a spin-off and explains how it impacts on society or individuals Considers the reliability of claims about the value of spin-offs Makes a judgement Defines a spin-off 2-3 Outlines a range of spin-offs and states how it impacts on society or individuals Outlines a range of spin-offs and states how it impacts on society or individuals 1-2 7

8 The Value of the Space Program Debate the value of the space program The question provides no structure, yet it requires an extended answer. In order to answer the question a plan needs to be developed. The steps below show one way of developing a plan. Debate means to either present one side of the argument or both sides of the argument. Possible Answer There are three key points in support of spending billions of dollars on space research. 1. New knowledge - Pure scientific research Space research helps astronomers to answer questions like, "How did the Universe begin? and "Was there life on Mars? It is also allowing scientists to perform experiments in space to make new medicines and new substances. 2. Spin-offs Solving the problems of putting rockets and satellites into space has resulted in many advances in technology and science. New materials and technologies have developed. * Velcro * Polarised glass (Polaroid) * Teflon - originally used in the heat shield of the Apollo Command Module; now used in non-stick frying pans. * Miniaturisation of electronics - small computers were needed for the Apollo. This technology is now used for home computers. 3. Earth knowledge * The Earth can now be viewed by an astronaut in space as a space ship. The importance of protecting the environment is made more obvious. * Better weather forecasting * Better worldwide communication -faster, more detailed. * Remote sensing gives humans a better knowledge of the Earth's natural resources - size of forests; crop potential. Also it is interesting to compare the cost of space research with the money spent on other human activities. The Apollo space program cost $25 billion. This money was spent over a period of ten years. American women spend more than this amount of money in one year, on cosmetics. Argument against NASA claims that for every $1 spent on the space program $7 is generated in the US economy. In comparison to private research and development companies this is a poor return. These companies expect a 20% return on their investment. Investors do not fund companies with lower rates of return. 8