#spacetech Created at 120923 # [Anonymous feedback](https://www.admonymous.co/louis030195) # [[Epistemic status]] #shower-thought Last modified date: 120923 Commit: 0 # Related # 100923 10156 astronauts problems Astronauts face several significant challenges in space, including: 1. **Radiation**: Exposure to higher levels of radiation in space can damage the immune system and increase the risk of developing cancer[3][4][7]. 2. **Isolation and confinement**: Long-duration space missions can lead to mental health issues due to the confined living spaces and lack of privacy[2][4][7]. 3. **Microgravity**: The absence of gravity in space can cause various health issues, such as vestibular dysfunction, bone loss, muscle atrophy, and fluid redistribution in the body[1][3][5][9]. 4. **Space adaptation syndrome**: Astronauts often experience symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and headaches during the initial days of space travel due to the body's adaptation to the microgravity environment[10]. 5. **Hostile/closed environments**: Living in a closed environment can lead to stress and potential contamination of the air and surfaces within the spacecraft[3][4]. 6. **Space debris**: Space junk poses a risk to spacecraft and astronauts, as collisions with debris can cause severe damage[12]. 7. **Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS)**: The redistribution of fluids in the body can cause changes in the shape of the eye and lead to vision problems[13]. 8. **Mental health**: Prolonged isolation, confinement, and the stress of living in a cramped space can lead to psychological issues and interpersonal conflicts among crew members[2][7][13]. To address these challenges, researchers are working on developing countermeasures, such as radiation shielding, exercise routines, artificial gravity, and psychological support systems[2][3][4][7]. Citations: [1] https://www.nasa.gov/hrp/bodyinspace [2] https://www.cnn.com/2022/06/04/world/longterm-spaceflight-cognition-emotions-life-itself-scn/index.html [3] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41526-020-00124-6 [4] https://www.nasa.gov/hrp/5-hazards-of-human-spaceflight [5] https://www.tastingtable.com/982916/the-challenges-astronauts-face-when-preparing-and-eating-food-in-space/ [6] https://www.lung.org/blog/space-travel-obstacles [7] https://scitechdaily.com/5-hazards-astronauts-face-in-human-spaceflight/ [8] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3490786/ [9] https://askanearthspacescientist.asu.edu/human-spaceflight-challenges [10] https://www.lpi.usra.edu/education/explore/space_health/background/ [11] https://humans-in-space.jaxa.jp/en/life/health-in-space/body-impact/ [12] https://www.wired.com/2016/02/space-is-cold-vast-and-deadly-humans-will-explore-it-anyway/ [13] https://www.astronomy.com/space-exploration/the-biggest-challenges-to-humans-on-long-term-spaceflights/ ## mission control Astronauts use Mission Control to communicate with ground teams on Earth and receive support during their space missions. They primarily communicate through radio waves, which are sent and received by satellites, allowing them to talk to Mission Control back on Earth[3]. The Space Network, operated by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, enables Earth-to-astronaut communication through a system of ground station terminals and satellites called Tracking and Data Relay Satellites (TDRS) [4]. This network relays information such as astronaut communication with Mission Control in Houston, live video of spacewalks, and live interviews with schools[4]. In addition to radio communication, astronauts can use social media to stay in touch with friends and family, and even video chat with Mission Control in real-time[3]. During space missions, the capsule communicator (CAPCOM) serves as the communication liaison between the astronauts and the Mission Control Center (MCC) [6]. The CAPCOM is usually an astronaut who can understand the situation in the spacecraft and pass information in the clearest way[16]. Mission Control is staffed by flight controllers who work at computer consoles and use telemetry to monitor various aspects of the mission, such as the spacecraft's health, trajectory, and systems[9][16]. They work in shifts to ensure continuous support throughout the mission and collaborate with the astronauts to address any issues or make necessary adjustments during the mission[17]. Citations: [1] https://www.nasa.gov/feature/goddard/2020/space-communications-7-things-you-need-to-know [2] https://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/k-4/features/F_People_Behind_the_Astronauts.html [3] https://www.lunarsail.com/how-do-astronauts-communicate-with-earth-while-in-space/ [4] https://nasa.tumblr.com/post/161365511964/6-ways-nasa-space-communications-connect [5] https://www.nasa.gov/centers/johnson/pdf/584724main_Wings-ch3c-pgs94-109.pdf [6] https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-capcom [7] https://www.nasa.gov/feature/artemis-i-mission-control-at-a-glance [8] https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/moon-trench-people-behind-mission-control/ [9] https://www.interruptions.net/literature/Patterson-CSCW-JCC99.pdf [10] https://arstechnica.com/science/2019/12/apollo-flight-controller-101-every-console-explained/ [11] https://hsi.arc.nasa.gov/publications/Marquez-MissionLog-v3-1.pdf [12] https://slate.com/human-interest/2014/05/how-do-nasas-mission-control-centers-operate.html [13] https://www.quora.com/How-were-the-astronauts-walking-on-the-Moon-able-to-communicate-with-mission-control-in-Houston [14] https://www.sierraspace.com/newsroom/blog/mission-control-what-does-the-rendezvous-simulation-look-like/ [15] https://www.qrg.northwestern.edu/projects/vss/docs/communications/zoom-messages.html [16] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flight_controller [17] https://flyingbarron.medium.com/flying-to-the-moon-from-the-backroom-mission-control-b4fb921cf662 [18] https://gdmissionsystems.com/space/apollo11 [19] https://www.skyatnightmagazine.com/space-missions/how-mission-control-saved-apollo-13 [20] https://rework.withgoogle.com/blog/nasa-communication-teams/ [21] https://balettie.com/mcc/ [22] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_control_center [23] https://humans-in-space.jaxa.jp/en/biz-lab/med-in-space/healthcare/medops/system/ [24] https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/john-glenns-official-communication-with-the-command-center