Stuff You Should Know – Selects: How Space Stations Work

Intro

In this episode of “Stuff You Should Know,” the hosts dive into the fascinating world of space stations. They explore the history of space colonization, the challenges of living in space, and the advancements in space tourism. Join them as they discuss the International Space Station, Skylab, Mir, and the future of space exploration.

Main Takeaways

History of Space Colonization

• The idea of space colonization was at its peak in the mid-70s, with NASA conducting summer studies to get the public excited about living in space.
• Space colony fever laid the groundwork for where we are now, even though we don’t have Stanley Kubrick-esque space hotels yet.
• The shuttle program was supposed to make launching cheaper and more frequent, leading to space colonization, but it didn’t pan out as expected.
• Verna von Braun was the architect of the US space program and a big champion of space stations, realizing the importance of capturing the public’s attention.
• Space colonization could rally public support for NASA and lead to new frontiers beyond just space tourism.

Advancements in Space Tourism

• Space tourism is a growing industry with companies like Galactic Suite and Bigelow Industries working on prototypes for space hotels.
• Virgin Galactic is still pursuing space flights despite a recent merger with Alaska Airlines.
• Space travel is currently only accessible to those with disposable income.

The Challenges of Living in Space

• Living in space affects the human body, with bone mineral density decreasing and fluids accumulating in the upper body.
• Astronauts may experience fainting due to low blood volume in space.
• Astronauts’ screams cannot be heard in space, as famously stated in the movie Alien.
• Scott Kelly, who spent a year on the ISS, has a twin brother who is also an astronaut, and they are being studied to understand the effects of gravity on the human body.
• Astronauts are exposed to solar radiation in space, which may increase their lifetime risk of cancer.

Space Stations: Skylab, Mir, and the International Space Station (ISS)

• Skylab was the first space station launched by the United States in 1973.
• Skylab had a bad start as one of its solar panels was completely ripped off and the other one didn’t extend out like it should have.
• Three crews were sent to Skylab on Apollo capsules to fix it.
• Skylab was a testing ground for long-duration spaceflight to see if humans could colonize the moon.
• The Mir space station was meant to be permanent and was manned and built over 10 years.
• The ISS was proposed by Ronald Reagan in 1984 and partnered with 14 other countries, including Canada, Japan, and the European Space Agency.
• The Russians were invited to join the partnership and agreed to help build the ISS.
• Astronauts work about 10 hours a day, Monday through Friday, half that on Saturday, and take Sunday off. The rest of the time is for relaxation and communicating with family.

Summary

Space Colonization and Public Support for NASA

In the mid-70s, the idea of space colonization was at its peak, with NASA conducting studies to generate public excitement about living in space. Although the shuttle program didn’t fulfill its promise of making space travel more accessible, space colonization could still rally public support for NASA and open up new frontiers beyond tourism. The architect of the US space program, Verna von Braun, understood the importance of capturing the public’s attention to drive progress in space exploration.

The Advancements and Challenges of Living in Space

Space tourism is a growing industry, with companies like Galactic Suite and Bigelow Industries working on prototypes for space hotels. However, space travel remains accessible only to those with disposable income. Living in space poses challenges to the human body, including decreased bone mineral density and fluid accumulation in the upper body. Astronauts may experience fainting due to low blood volume, and their screams cannot be heard in space. Long-duration space missions, like Scott Kelly’s year on the ISS, provide valuable insights into the effects of gravity on the human body.

The Evolution of Space Stations: Skylab, Mir, and the ISS

Skylab, the first US space station, faced initial setbacks but served as a testing ground for long-duration spaceflight. The Mir space station, built over 10 years, was meant to be permanent but faced challenges such as fires and supply ship collisions. The International Space Station (ISS), proposed by Ronald Reagan and partnered with 14 countries, including Russia, has been continuously inhabited since 2000. Astronauts on the ISS work a structured schedule, balancing work, relaxation, and communication with their families.

Conclusion

Space stations have played a crucial role in advancing our understanding of space and paving the way for future exploration. From the early days of Skylab to the current International Space Station, astronauts have faced challenges and made groundbreaking discoveries. As space tourism continues to grow, the dream of space colonization remains alive, inspiring public support for NASA and pushing the boundaries of human exploration.