The equinox is the moment when the circle of illumination passes through the poles as a result of the Sun's rays hitting perpendicular to the Equator.
During the Spring Equinox on March 21, which heralds spring, day and night are actually equalized. This happens twice a year, in spring and fall.
In the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, the Sun's rays fall at an angle of 90° to the Equator at noon. At that moment the shadow length is zero at the equator. From this date, the Sun's rays begin to fall perpendicular to the Northern Hemisphere. From this date, the days begin to be longer than the nights in the Northern Hemisphere. In the Southern Hemisphere, the opposite happens. This date is the beginning of Spring in the Northern Hemisphere and the beginning of autumn in the Southern Hemisphere. The circle of illumination is tangent to the poles, and the Sun is visible at both poles on this date. On Earth, the duration of day and night is equal to each other. This date is the beginning of six months of night time at the South Pole and the beginning of six months of day time at the North Pole.
Every year there are two equinoxes on Earth: one on March 21, called the vernal equinox, and the other on September 22, called the autumnal equinox, with different dates in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
The March equinox is the vernal equinox in the Northern Hemisphere and the autumnal equinox in the Southern Hemisphere. Likewise, the September equinox is the fall equinox in the Northern Hemisphere and the spring equinox in the Southern Hemisphere.
SPRING EQUINOX
There are many more effects that we can all notice at the time of the March equinox. In the Northern Hemisphere, the March equinox allows the sun to rise earlier, set later and plants to sprout.
South of the equator, it is the opposite season - later sunrise, earlier sunset, colder winds, drying and falling leaves.
Equinoxes and solstices are caused by the tilt of the Earth on its axis and the relentless motion of its orbit. You can think of the equinox as an event in the imaginary dome of our sky, or as an event in the Earth's orbit around the Sun.
SOLSTICES AND EQUINOX DATES
March 21 (equinox): Day and night become equal, spring begins in the northern hemisphere, while the southern hemisphere enters autumn.
June 21 (summer solstice): The longest day and shortest night of the year.
It is also known as the summer solstice. Summer begins in the northern hemisphere while winter begins in the southern hemisphere.
September 23 (equinox): Day and night become equal. In the northern hemisphere, summer ends and fall begins. In the southern hemisphere, it is the transition to spring.
WHAT ARE THE COMMON CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SPRING AND FALL EQUINOXES?
1- The Sun's rays come perpendicular to the Equator.
2- The Sun's rays come at the same angles to both hemispheres.
3- Tidal amplitude increases in stagnant waters on Earth.
4- From March 21 to September 23, the days are longer in the Northern Hemisphere than in the Southern Hemisphere as the rays are perpendicular to the points north of the Equator. From September 23 to March 21, the days are longer in the Southern Hemisphere than in the Northern Hemisphere.
5- March 21 is the start of 6 months of daylight at the North Pole and September 23 is the start of 6 months of daylight at the South Pole. At the equinoxes, the Sun rises exactly in the east and sets exactly in the west.
6- Although the amount of energy coming from the Sun to both hemispheres is equal, the temperatures are not equal due to different temperature accumulation.
7- Since the Sun's rays pass tangentially to the poles, the circle of illumination is formed over the poles. Twilight is experienced at the poles.
8- Day and night periods are equal all over the world (Equinox).
9- The Sun rises and sets at the same time at all points on the same meridian.
10- It is the beginning of the spring seasons in both hemispheres. March 21 is the spring of the Northern Hemisphere and the fall of the Southern Hemisphere. September 23 is the spring of the Southern Hemisphere and the fall of the Northern Hemisphere.
Today, Türkiye is marking a new era in this mysterious journey into space. While various scientists in its geography have been engaged in space-related studies for a long time, Türkiye’s true encounter with space dates back to the 20th century.
As a country, Türkiye made significant strides in various space studies in the 20th century, taking its initial steps into space with the establishment of the Istanbul University Astronomy Department in 1933. Acquired in 1936 by the directive of Atatürk, Türkiye's first telescope is still actively serving in the Astronomy Department of Istanbul University today. This historical telescope continues its mission of observing solar surface explosions, making valuable contributions to scientific research. Subsequently, our country, having signed different international agreements related to space, continued its space activities for a long time, primarily with "communication satellites."
The launch of these satellites began in 1994 with TÜRKSAT 1B, and over the past 30 years, Türkiye has continued satellite and communication studies with projects such as TÜRKSAT, BİLSAT, RASAT, GÖKTÜRK, and İMECE. With these efforts, Türkiye became one of the 30 countries with communication satellites in space.
The Establishment of the Turkish Space Agency and the First Manned Mission
Türkiye's space program gained significant momentum with the establishment of the Turkish Space Agency (TUA) in 2018. Through TUA, our country, creating its own space program, is determined to carve out a solid position for itself internationally. Achievements in observation satellites, communication satellites, and space research indicate Türkiye's aspiration not only to observe but also to actively influence space affairs.
This exciting space journey reached its peak in 2024 when the first Turkish astronaut, Alper Gezeravcı, made history by being sent into space. Gezeravcı successfully conducted 13 scientific experiments during his mission to the space station, attracting global attention.
Alper Gezeravcı's space mission significantly strengthened Türkiye's role in space. Such international collaborations and space missions conducted by the Turkish Space Agency (TUA) are elevating the country's standards in the scientific and technological fields. Gezeravcı's journey to space served as a great source of inspiration for the younger generations, enabling them to envision a future where Türkiye not only observes space but actively participates. Determining Türkiye's place in space is now not just a dream but a real success story.
Near-Future Goals
Looking ahead, one of Türkiye's major goals in space is a journey to the Moon. This is envisioned as a significant milestone in Türkiye's space research that will not only mark an important achievement in the field but also strengthen its international position. As Space Camp Türkiye our aim is to influence young generations to join to our never-ending space journey.
Indigenous Production and Nationalism in Satellite Manufacturing
Türkiye has ambitious goals in satellite technologies as well. The aim is to centralize satellite production under a single roof and develop it using local resources, with the goal of reducing external dependency and ensuring technological independence. This includes the development of satellite systems usable in both military and civilian sectors.
Space Station and Independent Access
Plans to establish a space station are also on Türkiye's agenda to achieve independent access to space. This critical step aims to enable Türkiye to launch its space vehicles from its own territory, facilitating a more active role in space research.
Space Technologies and Industrial Ecosystem
Türkiye aims to develop the space technologies and industrial ecosystem, increase space awareness in society, and train a workforce in this field. The establishment of the Space Technologies Development Zone is planned to encourage research and innovation in this domain, fostering the commercialization of space technologies. Consequently, under the leadership of the Turkish Space Agency (TUA), Türkiye's space studies and research have gained momentum. Goals such as a journey to the Moon, local satellite production, regional positioning systems, space station, and scientific missions indicate that Türkiye is confidently progressing towards becoming a significant player in space.
Efforts in the upcoming period to achieve these goals will further elevate Türkiye's visibility in international space research.
[description] => Türkiye's Place in Space: Past, Present, and Future. The sky has always been a source of mystery throughout human history. The Anatolian lands have hosted many civilizations under the stars, observing this mystery for thousands of years. [keywords] => Turkish Space Agency (TUA), the first Turkish astronaut, Alper Gezeravcı, Türkiye's visibility in international space research, Space Technologies Development Zone, [extra] => [{"key":"","value":""}] [created_date] => 2024-03-14 16:46:22 [updated_date] => 2024-03-29 16:56:51 [lang] => en [active] => 1 [search] => 1 [facebook_piksel] => ) [1] => stdClass Object ( [id] => 891 [parent] => 23 [order] => 4 [lang_id] => f3f277e9397ed01b55cab0d48d2d1eb0 [title] => 2024 International Summer Camp for Teens and Kids! [subtitle] => [header_img] => 0 [list_img] => 0 [summary] => 2024 International Summer Camps for Teens and Kids Now Open With Limited Spots! Join the Adventure at Unique Space and Science Education Center. [content] =>INTERNATIONAL SUMMER CAMPS
Discover the thrill of international summer camps with Space Camp Turkey's exclusive programs for kids! At Space Camp Turkey, we offer international summer camps tailored for kids aged 9-15 years old. As a world-renowned leader in space sciences and technology education, we are one of only two centers(*) of our kind. Join us for a summer filled with educational enrichment, thrilling experiences, and endless fun.
If you are an expat living in Turkey or planning a trip and searching for a safe and "exciting international summer camp" for your child, look no further, because Space Camp Turkey is the place to be! Give your child a summer full of cultural exchange and unique hands-on space science experiences with students from around the world at Space Camp Turkey. With over two decades of experience, our programs offer the perfect blend of education and fun for kids. But don't wait too long, as spots are filling up fast! Your child deserves a summer filled with adventure and memories, and Space Camp Turkey is the perfect opportunity for just that.
For detailed information about our 2024 summer camp programs full of hands-on scientific activities and fun, please visit our "2024 International Summer Camp for Teens and Kids! Blast Off to Adventure!" blog.
Winter Solstice: "The Darkest Day"
Solstices are the longest and shortest days of the year on a planet, marking the beginning of the next season. The longest day of the year marks the beginning of summer and is called the summer solstice. The shortest day marks the beginning of winter and is therefore called the winter solstice. In the Northern Hemisphere, the summer solstice occurs in June, when the North Pole tilts directly towards the Sun. In the Northern Hemisphere, the winter solstice occurs in December, when the North Pole is tilted farthest away from the Sun, meaning that the Northern Hemisphere is as far away from the Sun as possible. The winter solstice is therefore the shortest day of the year with the least amount of sunlight.
- Why do we experience solstices?
- Do you know the impact of axis tilt on life on our planet?
- Brief information on the solstice
- Are there solstices on other planets?
- How to see your shadow at the winter solstice?
- How does daylight affect life?
Known as the shortest day of the year, the winter solstice is the day of the year with the least amount of daylight because less sunlight reaches the Earth. The good news is that each day after the winter solstice will start to last a little longer until the summer solstice in June, when there is the most daylight.
Why do we experience solstices?
The reason we experience solstices every year is that our planet's axis of rotation is tilted at an angle of 23.4 degrees. This means that the Earth's orbit around the Sun is not perpendicular and causes the seasons to form.
Thanks axial tilt...
Effects of Axial Tilt
Let’s consider the impact of this tilt in the Earth's axis on the potential for life on our planet. At this tilt, the Earth's orbit has enough influence to cause dramatic temperature changes between summer and winter. However, this effect is neither extreme nor long enough to render the planet uninhabitable for long periods. This moderate variability, which is the result of the tilt of the axis, has allowed life to develop slowly over the ages, allowing living things to survive.
The winter solstice for the Northern Hemisphere occurs on December 21 or 22 each year, at exactly the same time worldwide. This year, the winter solstice will take place on December 22nd at 00:47 (GMT+3).
The English word "solstice" is a combination of the Latin word "sol", meaning "Sun", and "stare", meaning "to stand still". As the Sun rises in the east and sets in the west (due to the Earth's rotation from west to east), its position in the sky changes throughout the year, depending on the season. During the solstice, the Sun reaches its highest and lowest point in the sky. These correspond to mid-summer and mid-winter, respectively, which are turning points in the Sun's journey. When the Sun reaches its zenith on the summer solstice, it begins its journey towards the horizon, and on the winter solstice it reaches its lowest point on the horizon. In the weeks before these turning points, the Sun appears to move very little. This is called a "solar standstill".
Earth is not the Only Planet with Solstice!
The solstice is also observed on any planet with an oblique axis of rotation. It is also worth noting that the seasons on other planets are not climatologically similar to those on Earth for several reasons. First, planets vary in their axial tilt. For example, Venus' axis of rotation is tilted by only three degrees. Because of this almost vertical tilt, there is much less seasonal difference between the summer and winter solstices on Venus than on Earth.
In addition, planets like Mars have less circular orbits than Earth. This means that their distance from the Sun varies more dramatically than on Earth, and therefore has a greater impact on seasonal temperature.
The Earth's axial tilt plays a much greater role in the formation of the seasons than its near-circular orbit. The Earth is closest to the Sun during the Northern Hemisphere winter, about two weeks after the solstice on December 21. The Earth is farthest from the Sun during the summer months of the Northern Hemisphere, about two weeks after the solstice on June 21.
Is it possible to see the solstice?
Yes!
It may be possible to see the effects of the solstice by noting what is happening in the sky and the changes in sunlight over time.
What will happen to your shadow length on December 22nd?
On the winter solstice, when you stand outside at noon and look at your shadow, you can see the longest shadow you will see all year. The reason for this can be explained as follows: Every day, the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, drawing a virtual arc across the sky on its journey.
The height of this arc changes during the Earth's annual orbital motion around the Sun. As our planet orbits around the Sun, one pole tilts towards the Sun while the other pole tilts away from it. During the winter months in the Northern Hemisphere, the North Pole is tilted away from the Sun, so the "height of the arc" - the angular distance of the Sun from the horizon - is low and therefore your shadow appears long.
For many people, the winter solstice marks the turning of autumn into winter. But there is a difference between the winter solstice, the "astronomical first day of winter", and the first day of winter, the "meteorological first day of winter". Meteorologists determine the first day of winter each year based on temperature records.
Life According to Changes in Daylight
Some plants and animals organize their lives according to changes in daylight. For example, when the days get shorter, leaves lose their green color due to less daylight and lower temperatures. Since ancient times, people all over the world have also paid attention to this annual rhythm. In cultures around the world, the winter solstice is celebrated. Fire and light are traditional symbols of celebrations on this darkest day of the year.
However, there are some benefits of long nights, especially for stargazers who don't mind cold winter conditions. Cold winter days reward observers with clear skies and lower humidity compared to the summer months.
May you have a happy winter solstice and a clear sky...
[description] => It's time for the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year and the first day of "astronomical winter"! Solstices are the longest and shortest days of the year on a planet, marking the beginning of the next season. The longest day of the year marks the beginning of summer and is called the summer solstice. The shortest day marks the beginning of winter and is therefore called the winter solstice. Check out our blog on December 21, winter solstice and more! [keywords] => when is winter solstice, what is winter solstice, winter solstice longest night, what does winter solstice mean, what date is winter solstice, solstice short information, winter solstice, winter solstice night, northern winter solstice, december 21 winter solstice features, winter solstice Türkiye winter summer solstices, what is solstice, what does solstice mean, when is solstice, solstice date, solstice meaning, 21 december what will happen, 21 december characteristics, 21 december longest night, 21 december earth's position towards the sun, 21 december situation, 21 december where is the longest night, 21 december night day durations, 21 december shadow length, 21 december sun rays, 21 december solstice, information about 21 december, characteristics of 21 december, importance of 21 december, 21 december planets, information about 21 december, the effects of the axial tilt, the longest shadow [extra] => [{"key":"","value":""}] [created_date] => 2022-12-19 15:48:47 [updated_date] => 2024-03-06 11:46:35 [lang] => en [active] => 1 [search] => 1 [facebook_piksel] => ) [3] => stdClass Object ( [id] => 923 [parent] => 23 [order] => 6 [lang_id] => 7269e2431d4f64d4ffa2781791581d2a [title] => How About a Vacation in the Solar System? [subtitle] => 07.18.2023 [header_img] => 0 [list_img] => upload/media/vacation-in-the-solar-system.jpg [summary] => Hey there, future space explorers! Get ready for an out-of-this-world journey through our solar system, where planets come alive with amazing facts and cool comparisons. [content] =>While the average temperatures in the world broke records 3 times in a row in the same week, July 6, when the global average temperature was 17.23 degrees, was recorded as the “hottest day on record”. What is the situation on other planets? Let's take a look together.
On Which Planet Would You Like to Vacation?
Let's start with the closest planet to the Sun, Mercury. Mercury is about 58 million km from the Sun.
That's hotter than an oven! But when the sun sets, Mercury becomes chilly, dropping to a freezing temperature, -180°C.
Mercury has an extremely thin and tenuous atmosphere called an exosphere, composed mainly of atoms blasted off its surface by the solar wind.
Next up is Venus, known as Earth's sizzling-hot neighbor. Venus is about 108 million km from the Sun.
Venus is a real hot spot in our solar system, with an average temperature of 464°C all around the planet.
That's because Venus has a runaway greenhouse effect, contributing to its high surface temperature making the atmosphere dense. Imagine being on a planet where it's always like a boiling sauna!
Venus has a thick atmosphere composed mainly of Carbon Dioxide with clouds of Sulfuric Acid.
Now, let's visit our own beautiful planet, Earth. Earth is about 150 million km from the Sun.
We have a comfortable range of temperatures here, from freezing cold in some places, like -89.2°C, to quite hot in others, reaching up to 56.7°C.
Earth has a predominantly Nitrogen (78%) and Oxygen (21%) atmosphere with traces of other gases such as Carbon Dioxide and water vapor. It supports life and provides a protective layer that regulates temperature and shields from harmful radiation.
Mars, often called the 'Red Planet', is next on our adventure list. Mars is about 228 million km from the Sun.
While it's a bit colder than Earth, with temperatures ranging from -87°C near the poles to -5°C at the equator, it still has a lot of potential for future exploration.
Mars has a thin atmosphere composed mostly of Carbon Dioxide. It also has traces of Nitrogen and Argon, but the atmospheric pressure is much lower compared to Earth.
Now, let's journey to the mighty gas giant Jupiter. Jupiter is about 778 million km from the Sun.
Jupiter doesn't have a solid surface like our Earth. Instead, it's covered in massive swirling clouds. Even though it's far from the Sun, Jupiter's cloud tops are chilly, averaging around -145°C.
Jupiter has a thick atmosphere primarily composed of Hydrogen and Helium. It also contains traces of water vapor, Methane, Ammonia, and other compounds. It exhibits colorful cloud bands, including the famous Great Red Spot, a giant storm system.
Next, we have Saturn, famous for its beautiful rings. Saturn is about 1.4 billion km from the Sun.
Like Jupiter, Saturn doesn't have a solid surface either. Its cloud tops are even colder, with an average temperature of -178°C.
Saturn's atmosphere is predominantly composed of Hydrogen and Helium. It also has traces of other gases, such as Methane and Ammonia.
Now, let's venture to the icy giant Uranus. Uranus is about 2.9 billion km from the Sun.
This planet is really chilly, with an average temperature of -195°C. It's so cold that it's often called an 'ice giant.'
Uranus has a thick atmosphere mainly composed of Hydrogen and Helium, with traces of Methane. Its atmosphere is known for its unique blue-green color.
Last but not least, we have Neptune, another icy giant in our solar system. Neptune is about 4.5 billion km from the Sun.
Neptune is even colder than Uranus, with an average temperature of -200°C.
Neptune's atmosphere is composed of Hydrogen, Helium, and traces of Methane. It has a striking deep blue color and experiences powerful winds and storms.
Wow, our solar system is full of incredible diversity! From blazing-hot temperatures to freezing cold, and from thin atmospheres to thick ones, each planet has its own personality.
Remember, there's always something amazing to learn about the universe, so keep your curiosity alive and keep exploring!
- Why Do Astronauts Wear Space Suits?
- Is the space environment dangerous for humans?
- So what could be done to avoid these and similar dangers?
- So can every astronaut wear the same spacesuit?
- What does the spacesuit protect us from?, Is space hot or cold?, Is there pressure in space?
- What do astronauts eat and drink during a spacewalk?
- How much does a spacesuit cost?
WHY DO ASTRONAUTS WEAR SPACE SUITS?
Astronauts must be wearing their spacesuits when they get out of their spacecraft and are exposed to the "space environment," but why?
Is the space environment dangerous for humans?
A common definition of space is known as the Karman Line, an imaginary boundary 100 kilometers (62 miles) above mean sea level. Unfortunately, the danger zone after this line is not a suitable environment for humans to live. The most common reason for this is that there is little or no respirable oxygen in that area.
Almost all living organisms utilize oxygen for energy generation. As we breathe in, oxygen enters the lungs and diffuses into the blood. Our lungs, working as a tiny factory, throw out the carbon dioxide molecule formed by 2 oxygen and 1 carbon atom at the end of the process.
Although oxygen deprivation seems to be the only real danger, it is actually only one of the dangers.
So what could be done to avoid these and similar dangers?
If you are going to go to space one day, perhaps the most important thing to take with you may be the spacesuit. Spacesuits are like a small spacecraft and protect astronauts from dangers in space. The Primary Life Support System (PLSS), which looks like a backpack, provides the suit with pressurized oxygen and ventilation while removing carbon dioxide, water vapor, and trace contaminants.
The spacesuits used on the International Space Station today remain there all the time. In other words, astronauts do not have their own space suit. The same spacesuit can be worn by several astronauts, according to the assignments from the Mission Control Center.
So can every astronaut wear the same spacesuit?
As you can imagine, the physical structure of every astronaut is not the same. Some astronauts may be tall, some are short, some may be a little leaner or overweight than others. It is precisely for this reason that astronauts have space suits in three different sizes (small, medium and large) that they use on the International Space Station. Since the connection points of these spacesuit are the same, an astronaut can make a special combination from these three different sizes if needed.
What does the spacesuit protect us from?
First of all, it can eliminate the oxygen deprivation that we mentioned at the beginning for a certain period of time. Each spacesuit has two oxygen tanks that work with a carbon dioxide removal system to allow a 6 to 8.5 hour spacewalk. Afterwards, the astronaut must return to the space station in order to refill the empty oxygen tanks. Another danger is related to the temperature in space.
Is space hot or cold?
Unfortunately, the temperature in space is either too high or too low for the human body to stand. For example, ,if an astronaut would go on a spacewalk without a spacesuit when the sun is shining brightly, he or she would suddenly encounter a temperature of about 120 degrees Celsius with the effect of radiation.
Without the sun, the temperature suddenly drops to about -120 degrees Celsius. This situation happens very, very suddenly because there is no atmosphere in space. Here, the only thing that keeps the astronaut safe in these difficult conditions is again the spacesuit. Another important item on the spacesuit is the Liquid Cooling and Ventilation Garment (LCVG), which incorporates clear plastic tubing through which chilled liquid water flows for body temperature control, as well as ventilation tubes for waste gas removal. Thus, the astronaut can always work comfortably in the spacesuit.
In addition to all these, the astronaut must wear a spacesuit to be protected from pressure, radiation and meteor dust.
Is there pressure in space?
Even though we can't feel it, air is constantly pressing down on us with a tremendous force. We cannot see this force with our eyes, but we constantly experience the results of this effect, especially when driving on steep hills or getting off an airplane. This pressure created by the air and the internal pressure created by the beat of our heart is constantly in balance. As we just explained, there is no air in space. This means that there is no air pressure in space. Therefore, spacesuits are inflated with a certain amount of air, just like a balloon, to apply the necessary external pressure to the astronaut. Thus, the body fluids of astronauts can remain in liquid form during a spacewalk.
Radiation in space
There is a special layer of atmosphere in the world that protects us from the harmful rays of the sun. For this reason, the sun does not affect us that much as long as we don’t fall a sleep under it on a summer day. However, since there is no atmosphere layer in space, the sun's harmful rays, also called radiation, can cause great harm to astronauts. Space suits have layers to protect astronauts from radiation and reflect incoming rays. Also included in the spacesuit is a gold-plated visor section to protect the astronauts' eyes.
Meteor dusts that are faster than a bullet
Meteor dusts are small particles orbiting the earth. You might think; "How could a tiny dust particle hurt an astronaut?". Meteor dusts move in orbit of the Earth at a speed of approximately 24,000 km per hour. Therefore, when any small particle hits an astronaut, it can cause great damage. For this reason, there is a special protection shield in the upper part of the spacesuit and in the area called the Hard Upper Torso, which is similar to the structure of bulletproof vests. Thanks to this shield, the astronaut is protected from the vital damage that a meteor dust can cause.
What do astronauts eat and drink during a spacewalk?
Astronauts may have to take long space walks from time to time. The record belongs to two astronauts, Jim Voss and Susan Helms, who took a spacewalk for 8 hours and 56 minutes. Of course, astronauts can get hungry or thirsty during this long spacewalk. If necessary, you may think that they can go to the space station and have their food. But every minute in space is planned and very important. Taking off a spacesuit, that actually takes 15 minutes to put on with someone's help, can cost the astronaut half an hour, so the astronauts do not prefer to return to the space station and take a lunch break. NASA has found a solution to this issue as well.
Under normal circumstances, menus containing more than 1000 types of food are prepared for the International Space Station astronauts. These menus that include snacks can be consumed by astronauts at the station. There is also a high-calorie chocolate bar, fixed in a space suit helmet close to the mouth, so that astronauts can gain energy on challenging spacewalks. Especially on long spacewalks, astronauts enjoy the meal breaks where they consume these chocolates. Since they cannot use their hands, astronauts consume the chocolate bar by biting on it several times.
The next need of the astronaut consuming a high-calorie chocolate bar is of course water. At this point, a water bag located in the spacesuit helmet and a straw attached to this bag comes to aid. The tip of the straw can be opened and closed using only the mouth.
How much does a spacesuit cost?
The cost of a spacesuit is set at about $12 million. It can be said that this shield is cost-effective considering that a spacesuit is not crafted for every single astronaut and it can be used repeatedly for many years as long as there are no problems with it.
So what is the most expensive piece of a space suit?
Initially, it may look like the most expensive item on the space suit is the Primary Life Support System. This unit, which is responsible for adjusting the oxygen and the temperature levels, contains several electronic devices. However, in terms of cost, the parts that NASA spends the most are the gloves of the astronauts. Spacesuit gloves are the main limiting factor when it comes to working in space. Astronauts usually handle from 70 to 110 tools, tethers and associated equipment for a typical spacewalk. Like an inflated balloon, the fingers of the gloves resist the effort to bend them. Astronauts must fight that pressure with every movement of their hand, which is exhausting and sometimes results in injury. Furthermore, the joints of the glove are subject to wear that can lead to life-threatening leaks. For this reason, the gloves are specially designed to aid astronauts' mobility.
In a nutshell, spacesuits are basically wearable spacecrafts and can not only keep astronauts alive, but also feed them, allow them to communicate, and even be used as a toilet.
So what kind of spacesuits will we see in the coming years?
When NASA sends astronauts to explore near the Moon's South Pole as part of the "Artemis Program", the moonwalkers will wear space suits provided by Axiom Space. NASA selected the Axiom company to develop modern suits for the Artemis III mission and unveiled the first prototype on Wednesday, March 15, during an event at Space Center Houston in Texas.
"NASA's partnership with Axiom is critical to landing astronauts on the Moon. Building on NASA's years of research and expertise, Axiom's next-generation spacesuits will not only enable the first woman to walk on the Moon, but will also open opportunities for more people to explore and conduct more science on the Moon than ever before," said officials.
Artemis III will land astronauts on the Moon, including the first woman, to advance long-term lunar exploration and scientific discovery and inspire the Artemis Generation. NASA has selected Axiom Space to deliver the moonwalk system, including the spacesuit for the mission. The spacesuit, called the Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit, or AxEMU, is based on NASA's spacesuit prototype developments and includes cutting-edge technology, enhanced mobility and additional protection against lunar hazards.
NASA experts defined the technical and safety standards to which the spacesuits would be built, and Axiom Space agreed to meet these essential agency requirements. AxEMU has the range of motion and flexibility needed to explore more of the lunar landscape, and the suit is designed to fit a wide range of crew members, which includes at least 90 percent of the US male and female population. Axiom Space will continue to apply modern technological innovations in life support systems, pressurized suits and avionics as development continues. The company will test the suit in a space-like environment before the mission.
Following Artemis III, the agency will compete with future Artemis mission services under the Exploration Extravehicular Activity Services (xEVAS) contract. NASA is using the contract to fulfill the agency's spacewalk needs for both the Moon and the International Space Station. The agency recently issued a task order to Collins Aerospace, which is also competing under the xEVAS contract, to develop new spacesuits for astronauts to wear during spacewalks on the space station. Both firms will compete for future spacewalk and moonwalk services mission orders.
By landing the first woman and the first person of color on the Moon via Artemis, NASA will pave the way for a long-term, sustainable lunar presence to explore the lunar surface more than ever before and prepare for future Mars astronaut missions.
Would you like to be an astronaut? If you were an astronaut, what kind of spacesuit would you like to wear? You can share your comments with your friends on the following social media channels.
[description] => Why do astronauts wear space suits? Is the space environment dangerous for humans? We can immediately answer this question as yes. Okay, but why? [keywords] => Why do Astronauts Wear Space Suits, is the space environment dangerous for humans, Karman Line, spacesuit, dangers in space, Primary Life Support System, International Space Station, What does the spacesuit protect us from, Is there pressure in space, meteor dust, radiation in space, protect astronauts from radiation, spacewalk, What do astronauts eat and drink during a spacewalk, How much does a spacesuit cost, Spacesuit gloves [extra] => [{"key":"","value":""}] [created_date] => 2020-09-14 09:57:17 [updated_date] => 2023-05-18 14:00:15 [lang] => en [active] => 1 [search] => 1 [facebook_piksel] => ) )
Türkiye's Place in Space: Past, Present, and Future
The sky has always been a source of mystery throughout human history. The Anatolian lands have hosted many civilizations under the stars, observing this mystery for thousands of years.
2024 International Summer Camp for Teens and Kids!
2024 International Summer Camps for Teens and Kids Now Open With Limited Spots! Join the Adventure at Unique Space and Science Education Center.
Winter Solstice: The Darkest Day
It's time for the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year and the first day of "astronomical winter"!
How About a Vacation in the Solar System?
Hey there, future space explorers! Get ready for an out-of-this-world journey through our solar system, where planets come alive with amazing facts and cool comparisons.
Why Do Astronauts Wear Space Suits?
Why do astronauts wear space suits? Is the space environment dangerous for humans? In this article, we examined astronaut suits.
