Space Assessment Prep
| # | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1 | The space environment is the condition outside Earth’s atmosphere, including microgravity, radiation, vacuum, and extreme temperature changes. |
| 2 | One major difference is microgravity in space, which reduces the effect of gravity on the body. |
| 3 | Astronauts need special training to prepare their bodies and minds for microgravity, radiation, confinement, emergencies, and operating space equipment. |
| 4 | Microgravity is a condition in which objects appear to weigh very little and float because they are in continuous free fall around Earth. |
| 5 | The musculoskeletal system is strongly affected by space travel. |
| 6 | Microgravity can cause muscle weakening and bone loss because the body does not need to work against gravity as much. |
| 7 | Exercise helps reduce muscle loss, bone loss, and cardiovascular deconditioning during long space missions. |
| 8 | One possible health risk is an increased risk of cancer. |
| 9 | Long-term isolation can increase stress, anxiety, depression, irritability, and sleep problems. |
| 10 | Sleep can be difficult in space because of unusual light cycles, noise, stress, and the lack of a normal day-night pattern. |
| 11 | NASA stands for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. |
| 12 | Astronauts may experience space motion sickness. |
| 13 | They may feel dizzy or nauseated because their vestibular system is adjusting to microgravity. |
| 14 | A spacesuit provides oxygen, pressure, temperature control, and protection from radiation and debris. |
| 15 | They need proper nutrition to maintain energy, muscle mass, bone health, and immune function in a challenging environment. |
| 16 | The immune system may weaken or change in space, which can make astronauts more vulnerable to illness. |
| 17 | Cardiovascular deconditioning is a decline in heart and blood vessel fitness caused by reduced physical demand over time. |
| 18 | Hydration is important because it supports circulation, body temperature regulation, digestion, and overall health. |
| 19 | Communication can reduce loneliness, support mental health, and help astronauts manage stress. |
| 20 | Emergency drills help astronauts respond quickly and safely to fires, pressure loss, equipment failure, or medical problems. |
| 21 | A long time in microgravity can lead to decreased bone density, increasing the risk of fractures. |
| 22 | They help measure changes in bone health and show whether bone loss has occurred during the mission. |
| 23 | A space mission can disrupt the circadian rhythm because the normal pattern of daylight and darkness is absent or irregular. |
| 24 | Teamwork is essential because astronauts depend on one another for monitoring health, solving problems, and responding to emergencies. |
| 25 | Astronauts need rehabilitation because muscles, bones, balance, and cardiovascular function may weaken in space and must be restored after returning to gravity. |
| 26 | Space travel can affect balance and coordination because the inner ear and sensory systems must adapt to the lack of normal gravity cues. |
| 27 | Technology helps by monitoring vital signs and by providing life support systems such as oxygen control, temperature regulation, and radiation shielding. |
| 28 | A long mission to Mars presents greater health challenges because astronauts face longer exposure to radiation, isolation, limited medical care, and extended physical deconditioning. |
| 29 | Physical and mental health are connected because stress, sleep loss, and isolation can affect the body, while physical discomfort, weakness, or illness can also increase anxiety and reduce morale. |
| 30 | Likely causes include isolation, sleep disruption, stress, reduced exercise, and physical deconditioning. Two strategies are restoring a regular exercise routine and increasing mental health support through communication, rest, and counseling. |