10 interesting facts about life in space
Virtually any product that belongs to the genre of science fiction, you can find mention of life in space. In our time, the brave men and women have been able to realize this dream through the invention of the shuttles and stations. However, it is worth remembering that the astronauts have to adapt to a completely different way of life.
The human body starts to behave very strangely in weightlessness. Spine "rectified", which may add up to 5.72 cm in height. The internal organs are shifted higher because of reduced waist circumference. Blood and bodily fluids "spill over" into the upper part of the body. In fact, a normal person becomes a cartoon character with slender legs, narrow waist and shoulders, and a disproportionately large head. But do not be afraid, these changes are fairly harmless.
It is estimated that a third to a half of all astronauts suffer from space adaptation syndrome. This condition by symptoms similar to motion sickness: decreased appetite, there is dizziness, salivation, nausea, vomiting and spatial illusion. All of these effects usually go away after 3-6 days of the flight. About 50% of astronauts experience discomfort moderate, 10% severe reaction occurs.
It was found that sleeping in zero gravity is also quite difficult. Astronauts have to tie yourself to a sleeper, to avoid injury. After all, if you fall asleep in zero gravity, it simply will soar on the ship and crash into the surrounding objects. The only advantage - you can get rid of snoring.
In space is difficult to keep track of personal hygiene. Just terrestrial methods are not as effective. For example, when washing your hair customary water will turn into droplets floating in zero gravity. So astronauts use special "dry shampoos" body rub with a damp sponge. Only shaving teeth can be cleaned and in the same manner as in the world.
When the space program was in its infancy and will be flown to the majority of space suits, the first device for the collection of solid and liquid waste is an elastic pants with disposable absorbent pad - the forerunners of diapers. Now, in a variety of orbital stations have special toilets. They look exactly the same as on Earth, but have a number of design features. Such a toilet equipped with latches for the legs and thighs holders, it mounted a powerful air pumps. Cosmonaut tacked on a special spring-mounted to the seat, and then includes a powerful fan and a suction hole opens up where the air flow carries all waste.
The most famous space clothes - it's the suit. There are two main types: soft type suit, suit rigid type. For the landing on the moon on the program "Apollo" in 1969-1972,. was created by Apollo A7L. It was a suit of soft type. It consisted of 17 layers of different solid materials. Under external pressure suit worn thermostatic jumpsuit, penetrated the network of tubes with water circulating through them.
On Earth, we constantly walk, lift objects, dance, jump, etc. In space, the lack of clearly defined motion leads to atrophy of the muscles. Over time, even the spine and bones become weaker. To combat this disease every day astronauts engaged in a special gym (at least 2.5 hours).
In space, may cause flatulence (excessive accumulation of gas in the intestines). Manifested bloating, pain holding apart, perhaps copious large number of digestive gases. Which is why there is this problem? The reason lies in the space food, which is very different from a normal diet earthlings.
Astronauts are usually very resistant to psychological pressure. And for good reason. Limited space itself can cause serious psychological problems. Especially if people live in conditions for a long period of time.
Mold, germs, bacteria and fungi are a serious problem in a spacecraft. Sufficiently large growths can damage the equipment and cause disease in a team. Particularly damaging to organic materials such as wire insulation, the elements of artificial leather. Index case occurred on board the vehicle, which was docked to the station "Mir". Because of the temperature difference between the inside of the window condensation - a good breeding ground for germs. This has caused the growth of bacteria and fungi that were isolated various substances. As a result of the porthole dimmed and looked like he was treated with an acid.
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