CHAPTER 38 – SPACE EXPLORATION Health and nutrition
• MRI, CAT scan and X-ray imaging all benefitted from NASA’s computer processing and imaging research.
• High-intensity red LEDs developed to grow plants in space are used to treat muscle spasms and arthritis and to increase blood circulation.
• Freeze-dried food technology was improved to preserve nutrition and reduce the weight of food in space.
• A water purification system first developed for recycling water in space is now used to remove bacteria from drinking water.
: Fig. 38.4 Freeze-dried, vacuum-packed food for astronauts
Society • Space exploration has allowed us to learn much more about our universe than would be possible from simply observing space from Earth.
• Seeing Earth from space encourages us to see ourselves as a human race with a shared home. This ‘overview effect’ has been observed in many astronauts returning from space, who have set up charities and expressed a desire for peace and harmony among all inhabitants of our planet.
• Space travel provides an insight into the fragility of our existence and the need to care for our planet by living sustainably and combatting climate change.
: Fig. 38.5 Viewing Earth from space offers an important perspective Elements of Science 373