MIT BioSuit
Science fiction writers must feel like the future is getting too close with all the news about a 3D printer winging its way to the International Space Station (ISS), skintight spacesuits, and plans for construction of a space elevator.
Commercial space travel revs up
Virgin Galactic’s SpaceShip Two
NASA has lost the urgency of the space race years of the 1960’s, but today’s commercial space sector looks to be recapturing some of that fervor. On Friday, May 2nd at New York City’s historic Explorer’s Club the players in America’s private space race were out in force at this event, each one promising major breakthroughs that will arrive within the next year or two.
Success of China’s spaceflight sets stage for huge space station
The crew of Shenzhou 10.
In June, the successful landing of China’s latest manned space mission cast a spotlight on the country’s growing human spaceflight skills as it hones the capabilities needed to build a huge, permanently crewed space station.
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Robo-Glove a power-assisted glove designed by GM and NASA
Robo-Glove
The Human Grasp Assist was designed through a collaboration between GM and NASA – and also known as Robo-Glove or K-Glove – the device is based on grasping technology initially developed for the hands of the space-going Robonaut 2. Essentially a power-assisted work glove, Robo-Glove is designed to minimize repetitive stress injuries in both astronauts and autoworkers. (Video)
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Augmented reality will help astronauts in the future perform surgery on each other
A new augmented reality system could help astronauts take care of each other.
Astronauts will face all kinds of medical problems when traveling to Mars or other distant destinations , but rocket science isn’t surgery. And vice versa. A new augmented reality system could help astronauts take care of each other, overlaying computer graphics over a real patient to guide diagnoses or even surgery. It could even improve telemedicine in developing countries or remote spots.
NASA issues call for new space taxis to fly to International Space Station
NASA hopes to be able to fly its astronauts on commercial carriers by about 2017.
Program managers from NASA said they are looking for at least two U.S. firms to design and build space taxis to ferry astronauts to and from the International Space Station.
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The danger of farting in space
Space gas has its consequences.
Humans produce two flammable gases: hydrogen and methane. Flammable gases accumulate in an enclosed space and can ignite. Astronauts are humans who spend lots of time in enclosed space. The logic is irrefutable. So, what’s the risk to farting astronauts?
Between 1968 and 1971, researchers Edwin L. Murphy and Doris H. Calloway published three, count ‘em, three studies on flatulence. The 1969 paper was about astronauts and their farts, specifically a study to determine the level of flatulence produced by difference astronaut space diets. Picturing how the study went brings into focus the many indignities astronauts face for their shot at space travel…
Space junk at a ‘tipping point’: study
Space junk: a conceptual artwork representing defunct satellites, failed missions, and shrapnel orbiting Earth.
“A tipping point” for collisions has been reached with the amount of debris orbiting the Earth, which would in turn generate more of the debris that threatens astronauts and satellites, according to a U.S. study released on Thursday.
Top 10 Best Space Food
If you were in space what would you get to eat?
Although launching food in space is a necessity, it doesn’t mean it has to be boring. The original space menu was bland, odorless and lacked texture, but times have changed and adding some flavor is essential for extended periods astronauts spend in orbit. You can’t expect an average meal on the International Space Station to be like a night at the Ritz, but no one’s complaining.
DIY energy drink – Astronauts drink their own urine
Converts urine to an energy drink.
The internet is full of stories that astronauts on the current shuttle mission will be testing a new system for recycling their own pee and sweat into a sugary energy drink. But the pee-to-water converter that enables the recycling of human, or even animal, urine into drinkable water is not science fiction.
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No Sex in Space… At Least Not Yet According to Russian Official
Rumors of astronauts hooking up in space are the product of overactive imaginations experts say.
Humans have been traveling in space for more than 50 years. But, it’s quite possible we have not performed that most basic of acts — sex — beyond earth.
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Take a Vitamin Supplement to Mitigate Effects of Radiation
Along with the anti-radiation drug potassium iodide, scientists recommend a vitamin pill.
Astronauts are exposed to more radiation than nuclear power plant workers. As a result, NASA has recommended taking vitamin supplements to mitigate any potential side effects.
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