What Happens If an Astronaut Floats Off During a Spacewalk

Summary

The 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.