SPACE TECHNOLOGY

 

wpe3.gif (14182 bytes)SPACE SHUTTLES-   The space shuttle is used in many modern-day space exploration missions. At takeoff, a large engine that is attached to the side of the space shuttle normally powers the space shuttle on the flight out of the atmosphere. Once out of the atmosphere of Earth, the space shuttle releases the main engine that helped it enter outer space and is then powered by two, smaller engines that are connected to the two sides of the space shuttle. For a few days, the space shuttle is powered by its’ "side engines". Then, these engines are released into outer space and the engine that is on the back of the shuttle powers the space shuttle flight. At this stage, the space-exploration vehicle gradually makes its’ way back to the atmosphere of Earth. A common space shuttle lands in a similar fashion of an airplane. As the transport makes its’ way down through Earth’s atmosphere, it starts to heat up at extreme temperatures. The astronauts on the inside of the shuttle need protection from these temperatures so the nose of the space shuttle is lined with a heat proof nose cap. It gradually drops altitude and lands using landing gear that is made up of wheels. It slows down its’ speed by using parachutes.

    The inside of the space shuttle is complex and has many features that the astronauts need during their journey through space. There are long-distance communication devices that the astronauts use to communicate with scientists on Earth. There are fuel gauges for each of the engines that power the space shuttle. There are also thermometers to find the temperature on the inside and outside of the space exploration craft. There are fire alarms and alarms for notifying the crew about other hazardous situations that occur. All of these features are very important for the survival of the crew of the space shuttle.

    Life on a space shuttle is very different than life on Earth. For example, the astronauts and crew sleep in sleeping bags, which are attached to the wall of the sleeping bay of the space shuttle. The astronauts need to wear special outfits to explore outside of the space shuttle. The outfit usually consists of an air-releasing jet system, which helps the astronaut wearing the outfit control their self instead of drifting away from the shuttle. The astronaut has a control panel to release gas in different directions to move around in the gravity-free atmosphere. The outfits are also equipped with a communication device so the astronaut can speak to the crew of the space shuttle while outside. A common spacesuit also has a video camera attached to the side of the helmet so people can watch the journey when it is over. There is usually a camera on the inside of the shuttle also.

    The space shuttle is an exploration craft that is very valuable. It is a very interesting vehicle. It is used in many space missions and is perfect for the space atmosphere.

THE APOLLO SPACECRAFT-   The Apollo spacecraft is a space exploration vehicle, which is used in many tests and has made many discoveries. The Apollo 11 craft was used to transport the first people ever on the moon to the moon. The Apollo space exploration craft was named after the ancient Greek god, Apollo. Apollo was considered the god of the sun. The Apollo spacecraft is designed to transport up to three astronauts into outer space. When no engines have been released, there are five main engines that power the Apollo craft. These engines are gradually released into space throughout the journey. At takeoff, the bottom, and most powerful engine is used to get the Apollo out of Earth’s atmosphere. Once out of the atmosphere, this engine is released and a second, less powerful engine powers the spacecraft. This powers the spacecraft at a constant speed for a period of about four days. Then, this engine is released and the lunar module is ready to land on the moon. At this point in time the command module is attached to the top of the lunar module. The astronauts can now go out onto the moon’s surface. They need to wear special outfits which have oxygen stored in a tank on the back of the suit. As a tradition, the astronauts now place the United States flag on the lunar surface and after a while, they leave the moon. When the astronauts leave the moon, the also leave the lunar module behind.

    Now the astronauts are on their journey back to Earth. The command module is now powered by one engine. Once around three miles out of Earth’s atmosphere, the spacecraft releases this engine and the astronauts use a smaller engine to control the ship. The crew locates their craft above the ocean, then enters the atmosphere. The ship, although slowed down by a parachute, travels at high speeds while being pulled down by gravity therefore heating up to high temperatures. After a while, the craft lands in the ocean and a floatation device immediately inflates to keep the craft above water. The Apollo spacecraft command module is then located by a recovery team and is escorted to shore.

    There have been many famous Apollo journeys that have taken place in the past. For instance, the Apollo 11 was the first spacecraft to ever land on the moon. The Apollo 13 crew made an incredible recovery while in outer space. The Apollo spacecraft is important to our past.

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