How do you colonize space?

The most common ideas for space colonization include: settling Earth’s Moon, building on Mars, and constructing free-floating space stations.

How were the basic needs of astronauts in space met historically?

For astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS), these basic needs are met with materials either sent from Earth or recycled on the ISS (air and water). In the future, growing plants such as tomatoes on the ISS could play an important role in meeting all three basic human needs, just like on Earth.

What do astronauts do on missions?

Mission Specialist Astronauts work with pilots to conduct experiments, launch satellites, and maintain spacecraft and equipment. Their background can be in engineering, science, or medicine. They can also work as astronaut educators, inspiring students to consider joining the US space program.

Why space colonization is important?

The primary argument calling for space colonization is the long-term survival of human civilization and terrestrial life. By developing alternative locations off Earth, the planet’s species, including humans, could live on in the event of natural or human-made disasters on our own planet.

How do astronauts survive in space without oxygen?

The Space Station’s water recycling system produces pure drinking water from waste water, sweat and even urine. Using a process called electrolysis, which involves running electricity through water, astronauts and cosmonauts are able to split the oxygen from the hydrogen. By the way, do NOT try this at home.

How do astronauts work in space?

Astronauts work in mission control (the ‘voice’ that communicates with astronauts in orbit), check out procedures and the checklists the crew in space will use, help verify the space station and vehicle software, develop procedures and tools to be used during spacewalks or robotic operations, help scientists in …

What do astronauts bring to space?

Astronauts must have oxygen, food, water, and rest. Spacecrafts carry their own sources of oxygen and nitrogen. These gases are circulated throughout the spacecraft to provide similar air to the one we breathe on Earth. Astronauts must also carry their entire food supply when they travel to space.

What are the benefits of colonizing the moon?

Economic prospecting and development

• Space-based materials processing. In the long term, the Moon will likely play an important role in supplying space-based construction facilities with raw materials.
• Exporting material to Earth.
• Exporting propellant obtained from lunar water.
• Solar power satellites.

What are the benefits of space colonization?

The benefits that await us as direct or incidental byproducts of space colonization could include advances in architectural design, alternative fuel production, 3D printing and low-gravity manufacturing to name but a few.

What are the risks of space exploration?

1) Active Space Environment – this involves the energetic portions of the mission such as launch, orbital maneuvering, and atmospheric entry, all of which will occur at Mars and Earth. The only fatal accidents, in both United States and Russian manned spacecraft, have occurred in launch or landing.

What is the long-term habitation of the International Space Station?

The long-term habitation of the International Space Station by rotating teams of astronauts, scientists and medical professionals has provided us with a wealth of data to establish parameters for keeping humans alive and healthy for long periods in the harsh environment of space.

What are the best books about colonizing Mars?

Levine, Joel S. The Human Mission to Mars: Colonizing the Red Planet. Cambridge, MA: Cosmology Science Publishers, 2010. OECD International Futures Programme. Space 2030: Exploring the Future of Space Applications.