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Essay Unit 16 - Astronomy and Space Science
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Unit 16 C&DTask 1
P5: factors associated with achieving space flight for manned and unmanned
exploration.
Introduction
Space introduction has been a dream of humanity for centuries, and in the last century, there has been
significant progress in this field. Achieving space flight for both manned and unmanned exploration is a
complex and challenging task that requires overcoming several factors. From propulsion systems to life
support, navigation, communication, materials, cost, political will, safety, scientific objectives, and
international cooperation, space exploration is a multidisciplinary endeavour that requires the
collaboration of scientists, engineers, astronauts, and policymakers from around the world. In this
report, I will be discussing the main factors associated with achieving space flight for manned and
unmanned exploration, highlighting the challenges and opportunities of this field.
Propulsion
Propulsion is the most critical aspect of space flight. It is the force that propels the spacecraft into space
and keeps it there. The development of rocket engines has been crucial for space exploration, and
today, there are several types of engines that are used for different purposes. Chemical rockets are the
most common type of engine used for launching spacecraft into orbit and beyond. They work by burning
the fuel and oxidizer to produce hot gases that are expelled out of the engine nozzle, generating thrust
that propels the spacecraft. Electric propulsion is another type of engine that uses electric power to
accelerate ions or other particles, producing a much lower thrust but with higher efficiency and lower
fuel consumption. Nuclear propulsion is a third type of engine that uses nuclear reactions to generate
thrust, but it is still in the experimental stage and has not been used for manned missions yet.
Propulsion is the force that moves a spacecraft through space. For manned missions, propulsion is
necessary to transport astronauts to and from their destination, while for unmanned missions,
propulsion is used to control and manoeuvre spacecraft during their journey. Different types of
propulsion systems are used depending on the mission requirements, such as chemical rockets, ion
engines, and nuclear propulsion. The development of new propulsion technologies is crucial for
advancing space exploration and enabling us to reach farther and explore more.
Support (manned)
Life support is another critical factor for manned exploration. The spacecraft must have a life support
system that can sustain human life for extended periods of time. This includes providing oxygen, water,
food, and waste management, as well as maintaining a comfortable temperature and pressure inside
the spacecraft. The life support system must be reliable, efficient, and easy to maintain, as any
malfunction could have catastrophic consequences for the crew. Developing advanced life support
systems is a challenging task that requires the collaboration of scientists, engineers, and medical experts
to ensure the safety and well-being of the crew during the mission.
,Support is another critical consideration for both manned and unmanned exploration. For manned
missions, support systems must be in place to ensure the safety and well-being of the astronauts,
including life support systems, food and water supplies, and medical equipment. For unmanned
missions, support systems are needed to monitor and control the spacecraft, including communication
systems, tracking and telemetry, and ground-based control centres. The development of reliable and
robust support systems is essential for the success of any space mission, whether manned or unmanned.
Navigation & Communication
Navigation and communication are essential for both manned and unmanned exploration. The
spacecraft must be able to navigate accurately and communicate with earth for telemetry, command,
and science data transmission. Navigation systems include star trackers, gyroscopes, accelerometers,
and GPS. Communication systems include antennas, transmitters, receivers, and data processing units.
These systems must be designed to withstand the harsh conditions of space and be able to operate
reliably for extended periods of time. Developing advanced navigation and communication systems is
crucial for the success of any space mission, and it requires the collaboration of scientists, engineers,
and communication experts to ensure that spacecraft can navigate and communicate effectively.
Navigation and communication are also critical considerations for both manned and unmanned
exploration. For manned missions, navigation systems must be in place to ensure that the spacecraft
reaches its intended destination safely and accurately. Communication systems are also essential for
astronauts to stay in contact with mission control and receive important information and instructions.
For unmanned missions, navigation systems are used to guide the spacecraft during its journey and
ensure it reaches its target destination. Communication systems are also critical for transmitting data
and images back to Earth, as well as receiving instructions and updates from mission control. The
development of advanced navigation and communication technologies is essential for enabling
successful space exploration.
Materials & Cost
Materials and cost are also critical factors for space exploration. The spacecraft must be built with
materials that can withstand the harsh conditions of space, such as extreme temperatures, radiation,
micrometeoroids, and debris. Developing advanced materials that can withstand these conditions is a
challenging task that requires the collaboration of scientists, engineers, and material experts. Cost is also
a significant factor in space exploration, as it is an expensive endeavour that requires significant
investment from governments, private companies, and international organizations. Reducing the cost of
space exploration is an ongoing challenge that requires the development of new technologies,
innovative business models, and international cooperation.
Materials and cost are also important considerations for both manned and unmanned exploration. For
manned missions, materials must be selected carefully to ensure that they are safe and reliable for use
in the harsh conditions of space. Cost is also a significant factor, as manned missions require extensive
resources and funding to ensure the safety and well-being of the astronauts. For unmanned missions,
materials must be chosen to ensure that they can withstand the rigors of space travel and function
reliably for the duration of the mission. Cost is also a critical consideration, as unmanned missions
require significant funding to develop and launch spacecraft and associated hardware. The development
of new materials and cost-effective technologies is essential for enabling successful space exploration.
,Political will, Safety & Scientific objectives
Political will, safety, and scientific objectives are also important factors for space exploration. Political
will is crucial for funding and supporting space exploration, as it requires significant investment and
international cooperation. Safety is also a critical factor for space exploration, as any malfunction or
accident could have catastrophic consequences for the crew and mission. Developing safety protocols
and procedures is essential to ensure the safety of the crew and the success of the mission. Scientific
objectives are also important for space exploration, as it is a field of science and technology that aims to
expand our knowledge of the universe and our place in it. Setting scientific objectives that are
challenging, achievable, and relevant is crucial for the success of any space mission.
Political will, safety, and scientific objectives are also important considerations for both manned and
unmanned exploration. Political will is necessary to secure funding and support for space missions, as
well as to establish international cooperation and collaboration. Safety is a critical consideration for
manned missions, as the safety and well-being of astronauts must be ensured throughout the mission.
Scientific objectives are also essential for both manned and unmanned missions, as they provide the
rationale and purpose for space exploration and the collection of data and samples. The development of
space policies and regulations that prioritize safety and scientific objectives is essential for enabling
successful space exploration.
Escape velocity
To achieve space flight, a spacecraft must overcome the gravitational pull of the earth and reach a
velocity of at least 7.9km/s, which is called orbital velocity. Once in an orbit, a spacecraft can travel
around the earth without the need for additional propulsion, but it must maintain a high velocity to
counteract the gravitational pull of the earth. To escape the earths gravitational pull and travel to other
celestial bodies, a spacecraft must achieve escape velocity, which is higher than the orbital velocity. The
amount of energy required to achieve escape velocity depends on the mass and radius of the celestial
body, as well as the mass of spacecraft and trajectory that it follows. Achieving space flight requires a
combination of advanced technologies, innovative engineering, and scientific knowledge, as well as
significant investment and international cooperation.
Escape velocity is needed for both manned and unmanned missions because it determines the amount
of energy and propellant required to launch a spacecraft into space. For manned missions, escape
velocity is critical because it determines the amount of energy and propellant required to launch the
spacecraft and ensure the safety of the astronauts. For unmanned missions, escape velocity is also
critical because it determines the amount of energy and propellant required to launch the spacecraft
and ensure that it reaches its intended destination. The development of advanced propulsion
technologies and launch systems is essential for enabling spacecraft to achieve the necessary escape
velocity to reach their intended destinations, whether manned or unmanned.
Hazards
Space exploration poses many hazards, including the risk of accidents, equipment failure, exposure to
radiation, and the effects of microgravity on the human body. Astronauts and spacecraft are exposed to
high levels of radiation in space, which can cause cancer and other health problems. The lack of gravity
in space can also cause muscle and bone loss, vision problems, and other health issues. Spacecraft must
, be designed to withstand the harsh conditions of space, including extreme temperatures, vacuum, and
micrometeoroids. Even small debris can cause significant damage to spacecraft, and collisions with
larger objects can be catastrophic. To mitigate these hazards, space agencies and private companies
invest in advanced technologies, safety protocols, and training programs to ensure the safety of
astronauts and the success of space missions.
Hazards are a critical consideration for both manned and unmanned missions. For manned missions,
hazards include exposure to radiation, microgravity, and other environmental factors that can have
negative effects on the health and well-being of astronauts. For unmanned missions, hazards include the
risk of equipment failure and the need for contingency plans in case of malfunctions or other issues. The
development of advanced safety protocols and contingency plans is essential for enabling successful
space exploration while minimizing risks to human life and equipment.
Issues involved in preparing astronauts for space flight and the
effects on humans of space flight in general
Effect on humans
Radiation exposure is another significant concern for astronauts on space missions, as the space
environment is filled with high-energy particles that can cause damage to the human body. These
particles include cosmic rays, solar flares, and other forms of radiation that are not present in significant
amounts on earth. The effect of radiation exposure can include damage to DNA and other cellular
structures, which can increase the risk of cancer and other health problems. Radiation exposure can also
cause acute radiation sickness, which can include symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. To
help mitigate the effects of radiation exposure, astronauts on space missions are required to wear
protective gear and to limit their exposure to radiation as much as possible. This can include shielding
the spacecraft and living spaces with materials that can block radiation, as well as monitoring radiation
levels and adjusting flight plans to minimise exposure.
Microgravity can have significant effects on human health. One of the most common effects is a loss of
bone density, which can lead to osteoporosis and other bone related health problems. Astronauts also
experience changes in their cardiovascular system, as their bodies adapt to the lack of gravity. This can
include a decrease in blood volume, changes in heart rate and blood pressure, and other changes that
can have long-term effects on cardiovascular health. Astronauts also experience a redistribution of fluids
in the body, which can cause swelling in the face and legs. This can be uncomfortable, but it usually
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