What Happens If an Astronaut Floats Off During a Spacewalk

BRIGHT SIDE

7 Jul 202408:30

Summary

TLDRThe script narrates the thrilling and risky experience of spacewalking, highlighting the safety measures and training astronauts undergo. It recounts the first spacewalk in 1965, the development of emergency tools like the Simplified Aid for EVA Rescue (SAFER), and the rigorous astronaut preparation, including underwater simulations and psychological training. The unpredictable nature of space is emphasized, with a hypothetical scenario illustrating the challenges of drifting in space and the reliance on mission control for support.

Takeaways

🎬 The movie 'Gravity' depicts the terrifying reality of space, emphasizing the risks of being lost in space without the means to return.
🚀 Astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS) regularly perform spacewalks, which are inherently risky but made safer with extensive training and equipment.
🔗 Astronauts are always tethered to the spacecraft during spacewalks to prevent them from drifting away into space.
🌍 The ISS must maintain its orbit; if it were to stop, it would fall to Earth, highlighting the importance of constant motion in space.
👨‍🚀 The first spacewalk in 1965 was fraught with difficulties, including a bulky suit, overheating, and a challenging re-entry, showcasing the evolution of spacewalk technology.
🛠 Astronauts are trained to handle unexpected situations, such as using the Simplified Aid for EVA Rescue (SAFER), an emergency jetpack for stabilization and movement in space.
🔥 The SAFER has limitations, such as a finite fuel supply, which can leave astronauts adrift in space if not managed properly.
🧠 Astronaut training includes psychological preparation to remain calm and focused under stress, a crucial skill for spacewalks and space missions.
🌌 Space is unpredictable, and even with training and equipment, astronauts must be ready for any situation, as illustrated by the 1973 Skylab incident where tethers were the only safety measure.
🛰️ Mission control on Earth provides critical support to astronauts, but communication failures can leave astronauts without guidance in dire situations.
🌅 The experience of being adrift in space includes the disorienting effect of endless void and the psychological impact of watching Earth recede into the distance.

Q & A

What is the primary reason astronauts are always attached to the spacecraft during a spacewalk?
-Astronauts are always attached to the spacecraft with tethers to prevent them from floating away in space.
Why does the International Space Station (ISS) not stop when astronauts are performing a spacewalk?
-The ISS does not stop during a spacewalk because if it were to stop, it would fall straight down to Earth due to the lack of a force to maintain its orbit.
What was the duration of the first spacewalk performed in 1965?
-The first spacewalk lasted 12 minutes.
What complication did the astronaut face during the first spacewalk in 1965?
-The astronaut's space suit expanded too much, making it difficult to move and causing him to feel overheated, which led to the risky action of releasing oxygen from the suit.
What emergency tool can astronauts use to stabilize and move in space if tethers fail?
-Astronauts can use an emergency jetpack called Simplified Aid for EVA Rescue (SAFER) to stabilize and move in space.
How long have spacewalk jetpacks been a part of the astronaut's equipment?
-Jetpacks have been a part of the spacewalk package for almost 30 years.
What is one of the limitations of the SAFER jetpack?
-The SAFER jetpack has a limited amount of fuel, which can run out during use.
What kind of training do astronauts undergo to remain calm in stressful space situations?
-Astronauts undergo intense training sessions, including outdoor exercises in different climate environments and underwater to simulate space conditions, as well as sessions with Aerospace psychologists to handle stress and stay mentally strong.
What is the maximum weight that the safety tethers attached to astronauts during a spacewalk can hold?
-The safety tethers can hold a weight of about 881 pounds.
What is the role of the mission control center on Earth in supporting astronauts on the ISS?
-The mission control center on Earth supports astronauts by providing real-time assistance and guidance, but if the communication system fails or no one is close enough to help, the rescue operation may be hindered.
What would happen to an astronaut if they were unable to change their direction and got closer to Earth's atmosphere with the wrong angle and speed?
-If an astronaut reenters Earth's atmosphere at the wrong angle and speed, they might burn up due to the friction with the atmosphere.

Outlines

00:00

🚀 The Risks and Realities of Spacewalks

This paragraph delves into the thrilling yet perilous nature of spacewalks, highlighting the inherent dangers astronauts face when stepping out into the void of space. It starts by referencing the movie 'Gravity' to set the scene of the terrifying experience of being untethered in space. The script then discusses the necessity of tethers to prevent astronauts from floating away, the importance of the International Space Station (ISS) maintaining its orbit, and the historical context of the first spacewalk in 1965. The narrative continues with a recount of a spacewalk gone wrong, where an astronaut faced a life-threatening situation due to a malfunctioning suit and the subsequent struggle to return to the spacecraft. The paragraph concludes with a more optimistic view, mentioning the advancements in spacewalk technology and training that have made these missions safer, despite the unpredictable nature of space.

05:01

🌌 Astronaut Training and the Importance of Teamwork

This paragraph focuses on the rigorous training astronauts undergo to prepare for the challenges of spacewalks and life in space. It emphasizes the importance of teamwork and mental fortitude, detailing how astronauts are trained to work effectively under extreme conditions, such as repairing the Hubble telescope. The script also mentions the use of a simulated underwater environment to mimic the weightlessness of space and the psychological training provided by Aerospace psychologists to help astronauts manage stress. The paragraph further explores the historical context of astronaut selection and training, from the early days of choosing test pilots to the current comprehensive training programs. It concludes with a dramatic recount of a 1973 spacewalk incident where astronauts were nearly lost in space due to a malfunction, underscoring the critical role of safety equipment and the support of mission control.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Spacewalk

A spacewalk, also known as extravehicular activity (EVA), is an activity where astronauts operate outside of a spacecraft. In the video, spacewalks are depicted as both exciting and risky, with astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS) performing them regularly. The script mentions the first spacewalk in 1965, which faced numerous challenges, illustrating the evolution and importance of spacewalks in space exploration.

💡Tether

A tether is a safety line or cord used to secure astronauts to the spacecraft during a spacewalk to prevent them from floating away. The script explains that tethers are crucial for safety, as they keep astronauts from drifting off into space, highlighting the potential dangers of working in a weightless environment.

💡International Space Station (ISS)

The International Space Station (ISS) is a space station, or a habitable artificial satellite, in low Earth orbit. It serves as a research laboratory where astronauts conduct experiments and live for extended periods. The video discusses the ISS's role in facilitating spacewalks and the necessity of its continuous movement to maintain orbit.

💡Orbit

Orbit refers to the curved path of an object moving around another object due to gravity. In the context of the video, it is mentioned that if the ISS were to stop, it would fall back to Earth due to gravity. The concept of orbit is central to understanding the mechanics of space travel and the ISS's operation.

💡Emergency Jetpack (S.A.F.E.R.)

The Simplified Aid for EVA Rescue, or SAFER, is a small, wearable jetpack used by astronauts to move and stabilize themselves in space if their tethers fail. The video script describes a hypothetical situation where an astronaut's tether fails and they must use a SAFER jetpack to avoid drifting away from the ISS.

💡Space Debris

Space debris, also known as space junk, consists of defunct man-made objects orbiting Earth. The script briefly mentions space debris as part of the backdrop an astronaut might see while drifting away, emphasizing the cluttered environment in low Earth orbit and the potential hazards it presents.

💡Astronaut Training

Astronaut training is the process by which individuals are prepared for space travel and operations in space. The video script discusses the rigorous training astronauts undergo, including simulations in different environments like underwater, to prepare for the challenges they may face during spacewalks and other space missions.

💡Mission Control

Mission Control is the facility from which NASA monitors and directs space missions. The script mentions the role of Mission Control in supporting astronauts on the ISS, indicating the importance of ground support in space operations and the challenges that can arise if communication fails.

💡Space Suit

A space suit is a protective garment worn by astronauts to survive the harsh conditions of space. The video recounts an incident from the first spacewalk where a suit expanded too much, causing difficulties for the astronaut, demonstrating the critical role of space suit design in ensuring safety and mobility.

💡Zero Gravity

Zero gravity, or microgravity, is the condition experienced in space where there is negligible gravitational force. The script describes the challenges of working in zero gravity, such as difficulty in controlling movement and the disorienting effects on astronauts, which are central to the narrative of spacewalks.

💡Space Rescue

Space rescue refers to the process of retrieving or assisting astronauts in distress during a space mission. The video script alludes to a historical spacewalk incident where astronauts were pushed off course but were saved by their tethers, highlighting the importance of rescue capabilities in space missions.

Highlights

Watching scenes from the movie 'Gravity' can be scary, illustrating the real dangers of space.

Astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS) perform spacewalks regularly, despite the risks.

Astronauts are always tethered to the spacecraft to prevent floating away.

The ISS must continue moving to maintain orbit; stopping would cause it to fall to Earth.

The first spacewalk in 1965 was fraught with difficulties, including a suit that expanded too much.

Astronauts have to deal with the risk of running out of air or getting sick during spacewalks.

Rescue operations can be challenging, as seen in a 1965 mission where astronauts landed in a forest surrounded by wolves and bears.

Hundreds of astronauts have completed spacewalks without serious problems, showing improvements in safety.

Astronauts can use an emergency jetpack called S.A.F.E.R. to stabilize and move in space.

The S.A.F.E.R. jetpack was introduced almost 30 years ago and has become an essential part of spacewalks.

Astronauts undergo intense training to remain calm and focused during stressful situations.

Training includes outdoor exercises in various climates and underwater simulations for space conditions.

Astronauts practice spacewalks and repairs in a water pool that mimics the weightlessness of space.

Aerospace psychologists help astronauts handle stress and maintain mental strength during missions.

Space is unpredictable, and even with training and equipment, astronauts may face unsolvable problems.

In 1973, two astronauts were nearly lost in space due to unexpected movement of solar arrays.

Astronauts are tethered with ropes that can hold significant weight and resist heat.

If communication fails, astronauts may be left drifting in space with limited resources.

Astronauts might experience the beauty of Earth's rotation and the vastness of space if stranded.