Space Travel
Are you ready to learn about Space Travel?
Space Travel!
People began traveling in space in 1961 in tiny spacecraft called capsules, which were launched from Earth by powerful rockets. Russian crews still travel in this kind of craft, in Soyuz capsules, but Americans now travel into space in shuttles, which are rocket-powered space planes!
What is that picture above?
At the top of the picture, you will a a big yellow tank.That is the External Tank, or ET, is the "gas tank" for the orbiter. It contains the propellants used by the space shuttle main engines. Then you will see the Solid Rocket Boosters on the side. Solid Rocket Boosters were the first solid fuel motors to be used for primary propulsion on a vehicle used for human spaceflight and provided the majority of the Space Shuttle's thrust during the first two minutes of flight. Last but not least, the Orbiter. Now there are not parts on a rocket ship that are more important than others. But the Orbiter plays a big role on the rocket ship. The Orbiter is both the brains and the heart of the rocket ship. It is about the same size and weight of a DC-9 air craft. The Orbiter contains the pressurized crew compartment (which can normaly carry up to 7 crew members), the huge cargo bay, and the three main engines mounted on its end.
What are Rocket Ships made of?
Rocket Ships are made of Titanium. he frame is made from very strong but light weight materials, like titanium or aluminum, and usually employs long "stringers" which run from the top to the bottom which are connected to "hoops" which run around around the circumference.
How do humans survive in space?
It's important to note that astronauts do many of the same things we do here on Earth. They still use the same soap and shampoo, but sponge baths are more common than showers because it takes a lot of time and effort to take a shower. They exercise a lot to stay in shape and they also eat nutritious food.
You might be wondering how astronauts sleep at night. Well, they don't just float around in a room! Each astronaut hops into a sleeping bag attached to the wall and sleeps there. Otherwise, they would constantly bump into things!
How long dose it take to travel into space?
The fastest spacecraft launched from Earth was NASA's New Horizons mission, which is en route to Pluto. In January 2006, the probe left Earth at 36,000 mph (58,000 kph). The time it would take such a probe to get to Mars would be: Closest approach: 942 hours (39 days).