Spaceflight: Communication, Landing, and Waste Management

Summary

In this article, we explore the primary languages spoken on the International Space Station, the process of landing a spaceship on Earth, and waste management in space, including how astronauts use the toilet and dispose of their waste.

Table of Contents

  • Communication from Space
  • Landing a Spaceship on Earth
  • Waste Management in Space
  • Conclusion

Communication from Space

English and Russian are the primary languages spoken on the International Space Station, which is primarily built by English and Russian speakers. Astronauts communicate with Earth by transmitting their voice through a microphone and a series of digital signal converters and antennas. The transmission can take a few seconds depending on the distance from Earth.

Landing a Spaceship on Earth

To slow down and return to Earth, astronauts use the drag of the air instead of fuel to avoid hitting the planet at 17,500 miles per hour. The process of landing a spaceship on Earth involves using parachutes, airbags, or retro rockets to slow down the descent.

Waste Management in Space

Astronauts use a toilet in space, which involves learning to recognize a new sensation of fullness due to the lack of gravity. Toilets on spaceships use air flow to pull waste away, and the urine is filtered for reuse as drinking water. The solid waste is stored in a tank. Waste management in space also involves using wet wipes instead of toilet paper to clean themselves. All the waste goes into a big milk can, which is sealed with knobs to prevent any smell. The can is stored in a cold storage area until an unmanned ship arrives to take away all the garbage, including the solid waste, and then it is burnt up in the atmosphere.

Conclusion

In this article, we have learned about communication from space, landing a spaceship on Earth, and waste management in space. We have explored the primary languages spoken on the International Space Station, the process of landing a spaceship on Earth, and how astronauts use the toilet and dispose of their waste. Space exploration continues to be an exciting and challenging field, and we look forward to learning more about it in the future.

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