Imagine you’re an astronaut on the International Space Station (ISS), looking out at the vastness of space and suddenly craving a pizza. But how would you get one delivered? Sending just 1 pound of cargo into space costs about $10,000! So, how do astronauts get their supplies like water, oxygen, and food?
Astronauts have a clever way of getting water: they recycle it! Sweat, breath condensation, and even urine are processed through a Water Treatment System (WRS) to become clean, drinkable water. This system uses a centrifuge to separate and clean the water, making it safe to drink. Thanks to this technology, astronauts can recycle about 85% of their body’s water.
Oxygen is also extracted from water using a process called electrolysis, which breaks down water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen. The oxygen is collected for astronauts to breathe, while the hydrogen is used in a reaction with carbon dioxide to create more water. However, the ISS still needs oxygen deliveries from Earth to support the entire crew.
Food is one area where the ISS relies heavily on Earth. Astronauts eat freeze-dried meals delivered from Earth, including fruits, nuts, chicken, and even brownies! While growing food in space is challenging due to the lack of gravity and space, astronauts have successfully grown and eaten lettuce on the ISS. Future plans include growing tomatoes and cucumbers.
Just like on Earth, astronauts generate trash. They can’t just throw it into space, so they load it onto cargo ships that return to Earth, where it either lands or burns up in the atmosphere. This way, astronauts keep space clean and avoid littering.
Space debris, like old satellites and rocket parts, poses a danger to the ISS. Even tiny fragments can cause significant damage. The ISS has protective shields and occasionally maneuvers to avoid collisions with debris.
The ISS is a testing ground for future missions to Mars, where astronauts will be much farther from Earth. Scientists are developing ways to recycle waste into electricity using bacteria, which could also provide nutrients for growing plants. This technology is already being tested on Earth and could be vital for long-term space missions.
Living on the ISS is a fascinating blend of science and innovation, making it possible for astronauts to survive and thrive in space. Who knows, maybe one day you’ll be part of a mission to Mars!
Imagine you’re an astronaut needing to recycle water. Create a simple water filtration system using materials like sand, gravel, and charcoal. Test it by filtering dirty water and observe how clean it becomes. Discuss how this relates to the Water Treatment System on the ISS.
Learn how astronauts generate oxygen by performing a basic electrolysis experiment. Use a battery, water, and salt to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. Watch the bubbles form and think about how this process helps astronauts breathe in space.
Experience what astronauts eat by sampling freeze-dried foods. Discuss the challenges of preparing and eating food in microgravity. Consider what foods you would miss most if you were on the ISS and why growing food in space is important for future missions.
Design a plan for managing trash on a space mission. Think about how you would store, compact, and dispose of waste without harming the environment. Compare your ideas with the current methods used on the ISS.
Simulate space debris using small objects and a model of the ISS. Discuss how debris can impact the station and brainstorm ways to protect it. Consider how the ISS maneuvers to avoid collisions and the importance of keeping space clean.
Water – A transparent, tasteless, odorless, and nearly colorless chemical substance that is essential for the survival of most known life forms. – Water is crucial for astronauts to stay hydrated during their missions in space.
Oxygen – A chemical element with the symbol O, essential for respiration in living organisms and a key component of the Earth’s atmosphere. – Oxygen tanks are used by astronauts to breathe in the vacuum of space.
Food – Any nutritious substance that organisms consume to maintain life and growth. – Scientists are developing new ways to grow food in space to support long-term missions.
Recycling – The process of converting waste materials into new materials and objects, which is important for conserving resources. – Recycling is important on the International Space Station to manage waste and conserve resources.
Astronauts – Trained individuals who travel and work in space. – Astronauts conduct experiments on the International Space Station to learn more about living in space.
Space – The vast, seemingly infinite expanse that exists beyond the Earth’s atmosphere. – Space is a challenging environment for humans due to the lack of air and extreme temperatures.
Debris – Scattered fragments, typically of something wrecked or destroyed, which can be found in space as leftover parts from satellites and rockets. – Space agencies track debris to prevent collisions with satellites and spacecraft.
Gravity – A natural phenomenon by which all things with mass are brought toward one another, such as objects being pulled toward the Earth. – Gravity keeps the planets in orbit around the Sun.
Technology – The application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, especially in industry. – Advances in technology have made it possible to explore distant planets like Mars.
Mars – The fourth planet from the Sun, known for its reddish appearance and potential for past or present life. – Scientists are studying Mars to understand if it could support human life in the future.
