Astronaut Mike Massimino Answers Questions About Life in Space

Summary

In this article, we explore the various questions asked on Twitter about what astronauts do while in space. Astronaut Mike Massimino answers questions about launch activities, wearing belts in space, unscrewing bolts, waste management, and the use of mirrors on gloves. We also learn about how NASA helps astronauts adapt to the zero-gravity environment and how spacecraft in orbit around Earth may experience orbital decay.

Launch Activities:

Astronauts have various activities during the launch, such as telling jokes, playing games, and praying. Mike Massimino explains that they do these activities to keep their minds off the potential dangers of the launch.

Belts in Space:

Astronauts wear belts in space mainly for comfort and to keep their pants from floating around.

Unscrewing Bolts:

The speaker explains that astronauts use foot restraints to stabilize themselves and react the force through their feet when unscrewing tough bolts in space. They also discuss the challenges of working with tools in space, including the potential for tools to fly away when undoing bolts. Astronauts must react quickly and use their arms to absorb the kickback from the tool.

Waste Management:

The speaker describes the complex and expensive toilet on the space shuttle and the simpler system on the space station, which involves using a can with a plastic bag that is later disposed of in a cargo ship.

Mirrors on Gloves:

Astronauts wear mirrors on their gloves to help them see behind them during launches and landings. These mirrors are made of highly polished metal rather than glass.

Adapting to Zero Gravity:

NASA dedicates the first 15 minutes of a spacewalk to help astronauts adapt to the zero-gravity environment and learn how to move around without using too much force.

Orbital Decay:

The drag equation still applies in space, so spacecraft in orbit around Earth may experience orbital decay due to atmospheric drag. To prevent this, spacecraft can be given a boost to increase their altitude. When traveling to other destinations, fuel usage needs to be managed to slow down and enter the correct orbit.

Conclusion:

In this article, we have explored the various questions asked on Twitter about life in space. We have learned about launch activities, wearing belts in space, unscrewing bolts, waste management, the use of mirrors on gloves, adapting to zero gravity, and orbital decay. It is fascinating to learn about the challenges and solutions involved in living and working in space.