How Long Could You Survive Cut Off From Earth? | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Learn how to survive on the International Space Station (ISS) if you were trapped there without communication with Earth.

Key Insights

• ✊ Solar arrays provide power for the ISS, and astronauts are capable of repairing them if necessary.
• 🍉 Resource management, including food and water, is crucial for long-term survival.
• 💦 The Water Reclamation System ensures a sustainable water supply by purifying and reusing "used" water sources.
• 👱 Oxygen generation systems, along with a backup system, provide a continuous supply of breathable air on the ISS.
• 😋 Conserving resources is essential, especially when it comes to food, to ensure the crew's survival.
• 😚 Communication with Earth is critical, but astronauts should be prepared for scenarios where contact is lost.
• 👯 The number of people on board affects resource consumption, highlighting the importance of adjusting supplies accordingly.

Transcript

Hey there! Welcome to Life Noggin. Or is it? It is! Or is it? Back when I first joined the Life Noggin universe, things were kinda… cramped. It was basically just me and my friends in a big ol’ room. When I told my animator I needed some more space, well, I got all this! And this cool space station — kinda like the ISS in your universe. It’s cool a... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: How does the ISS get its power?

The ISS is powered by solar arrays that efficiently convert solar energy into electrical power.

Q: Can astronauts repair the solar arrays if they get damaged?

Yes, astronauts have the ability to repair the solar arrays if they are ripped or bent.

Q: How long can astronauts survive on the ISS?

The duration largely depends on crew size and available supplies, but typically lasts months between supply runs.

Q: How is water conserved on the ISS?

The Water Reclamation System takes sweat and urine, purifies it, and makes it suitable for reuse, reducing the need for constant resupply.

Q: How do astronauts breathe on the ISS?

Oxygen is generated through systems like NASA's Oxygen Generation System and the Russian Elektron system, which create a loop of oxygen and water. A backup system called Vika is available if needed.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The ISS gets its power from solar arrays, which can be repaired if damaged, ensuring a continuous power source.

• The number of people on board affects resource consumption, so adjusting supplies accordingly is crucial.

• Food can last longer by cutting calories, and water and oxygen are recycled, although additional oxygen can be generated by backup systems.