A Problem With The Space Station? | November 18, 2024

Summary

In this episode of CNN 10, space exploration faces critical challenges with air leaks in the International Space Station, raising concerns about its future. Meanwhile, the SS United States, a retired ocean liner, will be transformed into an artificial reef in the Gulf of Mexico, preserving its legacy. In Alaska, the Polar Night phenomenon plunges towns like Utqiaġvik into darkness for two months, while the opposite happens in summer with the Midnight Sun. Preschoolers in the Seychelles are taking action to protect their island from marine pollution, and the Kingda Ka roller coaster at Six Flags Great Adventure is retiring after 20 years of thrilling rides.

Takeaways

• 😀 The International Space Station (ISS) is dealing with worsening air leaks in its Russian section, raising concerns about its structural integrity.
• 😀 NASA has added emergency seats to SpaceX spacecraft in case of an evacuation due to ISS air leak issues, though Roscosmos downplays the risks.
• 😀 The ISS has been continuously occupied by astronauts since 2000, conducting critical scientific research like space farming and studying diseases in zero gravity.
• 😀 The SS United States, once a world record-holder for transatlantic speed, will be sunk to create the world’s largest artificial reef in the Gulf of Mexico.
• 😀 After nearly 30 years of inactivity, the SS United States will be preserved as a reef, helping the environment and attracting divers for years.
• 😀 The sun will not rise for 66 days in Ukik, Alaska, due to the phenomenon of polar night, which occurs in towns inside the Arctic Circle every winter.
• 😀 Conversely, in summer, these areas experience the Midnight Sun, where the sun doesn’t fully set for two months.
• 😀 In Seychelles, preschoolers are helping to combat plastic waste on their islands, learning about conservation and the effects of marine debris on ecosystems.
• 😀 Over 500 tons of marine plastic debris have accumulated on Alabra, the largest atoll in Seychelles, endangering its delicate ecosystem.
• 😀 The Kingda Ka roller coaster at Six Flags Great Adventure, known for its 456-ft drop and 130 mph speed, is being retired after almost two decades of thrilling riders.
• 😀 Hampton High School in Greenville, South Carolina, is recognized with a shout-out, celebrating their achievements as a part of the CNN 10 community.

Q & A

What is the main issue currently affecting the International Space Station (ISS)?

The ISS is experiencing air leaks in its Russian section, specifically in a tunnel connecting the Zvezda module to a docking port. These leaks, first discovered in 2019, have worsened recently, raising concerns about the space station's structural integrity.

How has NASA responded to the situation with the ISS air leaks?

NASA has expressed concern about the structural integrity of the ISS and added extra emergency seats to their SpaceX spacecraft in case an evacuation is needed. They are working closely with Russia's space agency, Roscosmos, to address the issue.

What is Russia's position regarding the air leak issues on the ISS?

Russia's space agency, Roscosmos, downplays the risk, claiming that fears of catastrophic failure are unrealistic. They have actively searched for and repaired the problem areas, reducing leak rates, and maintain that operations can continue safely.

What significant event is set to happen to the SS United States?

The SS United States, once a record-holder for transatlantic speed, will soon be intentionally sunk to create the world's largest artificial reef in the Gulf of Mexico. This will help the environment and attract divers, preserving the ship in a new form.

Why is the sinking of the SS United States considered significant?

The sinking of the SS United States is significant because the ship has historical value, having carried presidents, celebrities, and even the Mona Lisa. It was also once the fastest ocean liner in the world, and its new purpose as an artificial reef helps preserve its legacy.

How long will the sun be absent from Utkiaġvik (formerly Barrow), Alaska?

In Utkiaġvik, Alaska, the sun will set just before 2 p.m. and not rise again until January 22nd, 2024, marking 66 consecutive days without a full sunrise as part of the phenomenon called polar night.

What is the opposite phenomenon of polar night in the Arctic Circle during the summer?

During the summer, the opposite phenomenon occurs known as The Midnight Sun, where the sun does not fully set and remains above the horizon for up to two months in towns inside the Arctic Circle.

What environmental issue is the Seychelles currently facing?

The Seychelles is dealing with the growing threat of marine plastic debris, particularly on Alabra, the largest of the Seychelles' atolls. This trash is affecting the local ecosystem and the islands' pristine beaches.

How are preschoolers in the Seychelles helping to combat the island's environmental challenges?

Preschoolers from Montaur International School in the Seychelles are participating in environmental education by collecting marine plastic debris and learning about the importance of conservation. This initiative aims to foster a love for nature and raise awareness about the need to protect the islands.

What happened to the Kingda Ka roller coaster at Six Flags Great Adventure?

The Kingda Ka roller coaster at Six Flags Great Adventure has been retired after nearly two decades of thrilling visitors. It was one of the tallest roller coasters in the world with a 456-foot drop. Six Flags plans to introduce new attractions to replace it.