NASA Downlink: Boston University | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Astronauts demonstrate how they move and live in microgravity on the International Space Station.

Key Insights

• 🫷 Movement in microgravity involves pushing off surfaces and drifting in the applied direction with minimal resistance.
• 🏋️ Cargo and supplies in microgravity can be easily moved and floated from one location to another without the need for physical lifting.
• 👨‍🚀 Lack of weight in space allows discs in the spine to expand, temporarily making astronauts taller.

Transcript

Station. This is Houston. Are you ready for the event? This is the International Space Station. I hear you loud and clear and welcome. Hi. My name is Beatriz I'm in seventh grade and part of The Calculus Project. I would like to know, how do you move in microgravity? That's a good question. I can try and give you a quick demonstration here, but the... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: How do astronauts move in microgravity?

Astronauts move in microgravity by pushing off surfaces and drifting in the direction of the applied force. Newton's laws still apply, but with minimal resistance compared to on Earth.

Q: How do astronauts move and store cargo in space?

Cargo and supplies can be easily moved and floated from one end of the space station to the other in microgravity. Astronauts can pull out and transport the items without the need for physical lifting or overcoming weight.

Q: Do astronauts get taller in space?

Yes, astronauts can become temporarily taller in space. The lack of weight compressing the spine allows the discs between the vertebrae to expand, stretching out the spine. However, this reverts back to normal upon returning to Earth.

Q: How do astronauts drink liquids in microgravity?

Astronauts drink liquids in microgravity using bags with straws. They can squeeze the liquid out and form small or large bubbles of water that can be consumed. It requires careful management to prevent a potential mess.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• In microgravity, astronauts are able to move by pushing off surfaces and drifting in the direction they apply force. There is minimal resistance compared to moving on Earth.

• Cargo and supplies brought to the space station can be easily moved and floated from one end to the other due to the weightlessness of objects in microgravity.

• Spines can expand and astronauts can temporarily become taller in space due to the lack of weight compressing the vertebrae and discs, but this reverts back to normal upon returning to Earth.