human adaptation to space

Unit 8: Space and Flight

Chapter 1Human

Adaptation to Space

Thomson ELT

Human Adaptation to Space"It is important for the human race (to

spread out into space for the survival of the species,)" said world-renowned astrophysicist Steven Hawking. He is far from being alone in his vision of humans learning to live in places other than on Earth.

1-1

Human Adaptation to Space

Movies such as Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey explored the possibility of sustaining human life in outer space, and presented a very realistic portrayal of spaceflight.

1-2

sustaining = maintaining

Human Adaptation to SpaceSince astronaut Yuri Gagarin became the first man to travel in space in 1961, scientists have researched (what conditions are like beyond Earth's atmosphere), and (what effects space travel has on the human body).

1-3

Yuri Gagarinhas effects on …

Space travel has effects on

the human body.

e.g. Television has effects on

children that are positive.


Although most astronauts do not spend more than a few months in space, many experience physiological problems when they return to Earth. Some of these ailments are short-lived; others may be long-lasting. More than two-thirds of all astronauts suffer from motion sickness while traveling in space. In the gravity free environment, the body cannot distinguish up from down.

2-1

= many astronauts

Human Adaptation to SpaceThe body's internal balance system sends confusing signals to the brain, which can result in nausea' lasting as long as a few days. A body (that is deprived of gravity) also experiences changes in the distribution of bodily fluids. More fluid than normal ends up in the face, neck, and chest, resulting in a puffy face, bulging neck veins, and a slightly enlarged heart.

2-2


Throughout the duration of a mission, astronauts' bodies experience some potentially dangerous disorders. One of the most common is loss of muscle mass and bone density.

3-1

potentially = possibly= One of the most common disorders …


Another effect of the weightless environment is (that astronauts tend not to use the muscles they rely on in a gravity environment, so the muscles gradually atrophy.) This, (combined with the shift of fluid to the upper body and the resulting loss of essential minerals such as calcium,) causes bones to weaken.

3-2

rely on

= depend on

essential = necessary


Bone density can decrease at a rate of 1 to 2 percent a month and, as a result, many astronauts are unable to walk properly for a few days upon their return to Earth. Exposure to radiation is another serious hazard (that astronauts face).

3-3

e.g. The glacier is shrinking at a rate of 40 yards a year.

= danger


Without the Earth's atmosphere to protect them, astronauts can be exposed to intense radiation from the sun and other galactic bodies, leaving them at risk of cancer.

3-4

e.g. Babies could be exposed to ‘third-hand smoke’ if parents are smokers.

e.g. Overweight people are at risk of heart

diseases.

Human Adaptation to Space 3-5


In addition to physiological difficulties, astronauts (who travel for extended periods) may also suffer from psychological stress. Astronauts live and work in small, tight spaces, and they must be able to deal with psychological stress (caused by the confined environment). In addition, long periods away from family and friends can leave space travelers feeling lonely and depressed.

4

e.g. He suffers from a heart problem.

e.g. The lawyer deals with all my legal matters.

= prolonged


Now that humans have been to the Moon, and unmanned missions have been sent to Mars, the United States has unveiled plans for a permanent lunar space station and manned missions to and from Mars. Differences between the orbits' of Earth and Mars mean (that a round trip between the two planets would take almost three years to complete.)

5-1

e.g. Now that I’ve found you, I won’t let you go.

Human Adaptation to SpaceThe National Space Biomedical Research Institute (NSBRI) is currently investigating the hazards (posed by a spaceflight of that duration.) While during shorter flights, some of the physical and mental challenges of space travel have been controlled with diet and regular exercise, in the case of long-term space travel it is still not entirely clear (how well the human body could adapt or even survive.)

5-2


In 2010, the NSBRI is due to present its findings to NASA and present a "go" or "no go" recommendation regarding manned missions to Mars. As new technologies develop to help scientists further pursue their goals, we may one day see humans walk on distant planets.

6

expected to happen at a particular time

Vocabulary

ailment (n.)an illness, especially a lasting condition

His ailments include a mild heart condition and arthritis.

Vocabularydeprived (adj.)

prevented from having basic rights or necessities

to be deprived ofe.g. He is away from home and feels

deprived of his loved ones.e.g. People who still need to work on the

election day will be deprived of the opportunity to vote.

Vocabulary

disorder (n.)a sickness or disturbance (of the mind or body)

a stomach disorder

Vocabulary

distinguish (v.)to see or understand differences, to discriminate

That child cannot distinguish between right and wrong!

Vocabulary

distribution (n.)giving or dealing out (of something)

The Red Cross was responsible for the distribution of medical supplies.

Vocabulary

duration (n.)the time that something continues or exists

We hope that the business recession (illness, rainy season, etc.) will be of short duration.

Vocabulary

exposure (n.)the state of being unprotected

The lost mountain climbers suffered from exposure.

Vocabulary

physiological (adj.)pertaining to living bodies (humans, animals, and plants)

Stress creates emotional and physiological problems for people and animals.

Vocabulary

portrayal (n.)the act of portraying

The actress's portrayal of the heroine in the film was outstanding.

Short-answer question

1. What do you think are the physical effects of living in space for a long time?

Exposure to radiation is one hazard that astronauts face. Without the Earth’s atmosphere to protect them, astronauts can be exposed to radiation from the sun, leaving them at risk of cancer.

2- Do you think an astronaut’s job is dangerous? Why or why not?

Yes, I think so. Astronauts may experience physiological problems, such as motion sickness and bulging neck veins. In addition, exposure to radiation may leave them at risk of cancer.

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!!!

human adaptation to space

Documents

Transcript of human adaptation to space