Imagine a driver pulls up to the nearest gas station
to refuel his car. As he proceeds to fill up his tank, gas floats above
the car, around the car, anywhere but in the tank. This is exactly what
happens in outer space, since fluids and objects are directionless in a
zero gravity environment. With the help of ferrofluid, however,
astronauts are able to direct fuels and liquids through the use of a
magnetic field.
Just as scientists conduct experiments in labs, so do astronauts on
space stations, except that those in space are the experiment, as they
live without gravity for months on end. Each mission provides more
information about the universe in general, and the human body in
particular as it adjusts to microgravity. Since space exploration began,
research has led to thousands of innovative solutions and technologies
that help people in both atmospheres. The ergonomic chair is just one
small example, the computer microchip far more known.
A Home Far, Far, Far Away
Just like those on earth, astronauts are advised to eat three meals a
day. Actually, meals are a requirement, as proper nutrients and calories
combat the immediate weight loss and the lack of appetite due to
weightlessness. Although packaged and dehydrated, the diet is not bland
as all types of foods are included from snacks to seafood. Cold or hot
water is added to foods and drinks via a rehydration dispenser. Since the
electronic appliance is inside the space station, ferrofluid is not
required. Condiments are even available, but only in liquid form, as salt
and pepper specks may float around the ship, likely to be sucked into
vents. In additional, food packaging must be properly disposed of in a
trash receptacle, to prevent flying food particles from contaminating the
space station.
google_ad_channel = "7940249670, " + AB_cat_channel +
AB_unit_channel;
google_language = "en";
google_ad_region = 'test';
While most people enjoy a regular change in clothes, station
crewmembers are not known for their extensive wardrobes in space. Each
item taken aboard costs money, so clothes are limited to what is worn at
takeoff with few replacements. After a mission launches, it is pretty
much the same pair of pants and shirt, changed every ten days with a
couple of sweaters and shorts thrown in for good measure. Running shoes
are provided for exercising: one pair designed for a treadmill, a second
pair for stationary bicycling. Astronauts who exercise are able to
replace clothes more often but the bigger benefit is not a new outfit but
preventing muscle atrophy. Â Underwear and socks are changed on
alternating days, regardless. There is no washing machine on board. If
clothes are worn out, they are kept in a bag for disposal, which is
burned upon returning to Earth.
Outerwear has even less variety, although suits for space walking
differ from coveralls for working inside and gear for re-entering the
earth's atmosphere. A big responsibility of being an astronaut is the
space walk outside the station, not a routine event. Sometimes this
dangerous venture is required to perform maintenance on coolant systems,
which prevent the station from overheating. Liquid ammonia and nitrogen
are transferred into the tanks through connected hoses. Without the help
of ferrofluid, fuels would simply gravitate off into space.
http://www.articlesbase.com/business-articles/astronaut-life-in-outer-
space-4289096.html