The external space environment is extremely hazardous, filled with high-energy particles, solar radiation, micro-meteoroids, and more.
What Happens If an Astronaut Drifts Away from the Spacecraft?
Astronauts find themselves in extremely dangerous situations if they accidentally drift away from their spacecraft after exiting the cabin. To address this issue, astronauts must strictly adhere to safety regulations and take necessary precautions during spacewalks or missions.
Outer space is a very dangerous environment, and astronauts must follow strict safety regulations and take precautions to stay safe. If astronauts unfortunately drift away from the spacecraft, they need to take necessary actions to return to it.
The Dangers of Outer Space
1. High-Energy Particles and Solar Radiation
Space is filled with high-energy particles and solar radiation that can damage human cells, causing mutations and pathological changes in the body. In space, the human body receives significantly more radiation than on Earth, and astronauts who spend extended time in space will incur substantial radiation exposure.
2. Micro-Meteoroids
Micro-meteoroids are small objects in space traveling at high speeds and energies. When they collide with a spacesuit, they can cause significant damage. If a spacesuit gets punctured or destroyed, it can lead to severe injuries for astronauts in space.
3. Low Pressure and Oxygen Deprivation
Without air and oxygen in space, conditions lead to low pressure and oxygen deprivation. Even inside the spacecraft, astronauts face considerable danger if the hatch is left open.
To ensure the safety of astronauts in space, scientists and engineers are developing new devices such as space suits, new space probes, and space capsules to further enhance safety and practicality in space exploration.
How Do Astronauts Prevent Drifting Away from the Spacecraft?
When astronauts exit the cabin in space, they must take several measures to avoid drifting away from the spacecraft. Here are some preventive measures:
1. Carefully Prepare the Spacecraft
Properly preparing the spacecraft can keep astronauts safe in space. Astronauts must ensure that all doors in the spacecraft are closed and securely locked before preparing to exit the cabin. Additionally, the pressure inside the cabin must be maintained within suitable limits to avoid excessive fuel consumption.
To prevent the impact of micro-meteoroids from the outside world, the spacesuit must be thoroughly inspected and maintained to ensure it is in good condition.
2. Use Continuous Tethering
During spacewalks, astronauts must connect to a cable on the spacecraft. These tethering cables are made from special materials that can withstand impacts from high-speed and high-energy micro-meteoroids.
Moreover, astronauts must strictly follow safety regulations when connecting the tethering cables to ensure they are securely attached to their suits.
3. Utilize Tethers in Space
Astronauts can also use tethers to avoid drifting away from the spacecraft. Tethering devices are special positioning tools that can be secured to the spacecraft and utilized in space. Astronauts can attach themselves to these tethers in mid-air to keep their bodies anchored to the spacecraft.
Astronauts can use tethers to avoid drifting away from the spacecraft.
How Do Astronauts Return to the Spacecraft?
If astronauts accidentally drift away from the spacecraft, they must employ certain methods to return. Here are some common methods:
1. Approaching the Spacecraft
Astronauts can attempt to get close to the spacecraft, using parts of their bodies, such as arms and legs, on their suits to climb back onto it. This method requires the astronaut to have sufficient physical strength and skills.
2. Using Thrusters
In space, the astronaut suit is often equipped with thrusters. Astronauts can use these thrusters to control their direction and speed to return to the spacecraft. However, this method requires high skill and experience from the astronaut.
3. Aerial Rescue
In emergencies, other astronauts on the spacecraft can use robotic arms on the spacecraft to rescue the drifting astronaut.
In emergencies, robotic arms can be used to rescue astronauts.
Related Technologies and Countermeasures
To ensure astronaut safety in space, scientists and engineers have researched and developed various related technologies and countermeasures. Here are some primary measures:
1. Developing Space Suits
The astronaut suit is the most crucial protective device in space and must be absolutely safe and practical. Therefore, scientists and engineers have developed a new generation of astronaut suits to enhance comfort and safety.
2. Developing New Space Probes
Given the complexity of space exploration, scientists and technologists are continuously developing new space probes. These new probes must have high performance, reliability, and safety features to ensure astronauts’ safety in space.
3. Developing Space Capsules
The spacecraft is where astronauts live and work in space and must possess high reliability and safety. The construction and design of the spacecraft must consider various environmental factors and safety issues to ensure astronauts can carry out their missions safely.
