Here is how astronauts survive in space, NASA scientist reveals

New Delhi : Needless to say that space is not a lively place to live in. Though space travel fascinates many of us, but, actually, the task is not so easy. Not all of us can withstand the physical conditions space offers. There is no gravity, no source of light and the extreme temperatures can lead to death. So, how astronauts dare to travel around in space and how do they survive?

An Engineer and Mission Manager at NASA shares on Quora about how do the astronauts manage to survive on space.

Bob Singer, who works at Goddard Space Flight Center managing the interface between NASA and users of the Tracking Data and Relay Satellite System, explains how in the International Space Station (ISS), "it is a matter of heat distribution. One side is cold, the other really hot due to solar radiation", the same way that sunlight feels when exposed to your skin.

“Without thermal controls, the temperature of the orbiting Space Station's sun-facing side would soar to 250 degrees F (121 C), while thermometers on the dark side would plunge to minus 250 degrees F (-157 C). There might be a comfortable spot somewhere in the middle of the Station, but searching for it wouldn't be much fun!"

Fortunately for the crew and all the Station's hardware, the ISS is designed and built with thermal balance in mind -- and it is equipped with a thermal control system that keeps the astronauts in their orbiting home cool and comfortable,” said NASA's Science Mission Directorate

The astronauts explain the concept of retaining heat in space with an analogy of a blanket. "In space, it's a matter of insulation. Just as your blanket keeps your body heat in so you stay warm in bed, NASA space suits have insulation systems as well as heaters."

Also, the spacesuits are designed used heating elements to protect astronauts from extreme cold. It includes rechargeable lithium polymer batteries and flexible heating coils. The garment can keep you toasty at very cold temperatures.

There are microscopic balls filled with chemicals that change state according to temperature, i.e goes from solid to liquid and back to solid depending on the external temperature. The technique is used to make the glove liners. When a person's body temperature rises, the material absorbs the heat. When it drops, the material gives off the heat, providing warmth.

To brief, life on space is impossible without the high-tech spacesuits - which are specifically designed to adapt to the surroundings around them.

Needless to say that space is not a lively place to live in. Though space travel fascinates many of us, but, actually, the task is not so easy. Not all of us can withstand the physical conditions space offers. There is no gravity, no source of light and the extreme temperatures can lead to death. So, how astronauts dare to travel around in space and how do they survive?

An Engineer and Mission Manager at NASA shares on Quora about how do the astronauts manage to survive on space. Bob Singer, who works at Goddard Space Flight Center managing the interface between NASA and users of the Tracking Data and Relay Satellite System, explains how in the International Space Station (ISS), "it is a matter of heat distribution. One side is cold, the other really hot due to solar radiation", the same way that sunlight feels when exposed to your skin.

“Without thermal controls, the temperature of the orbiting Space Station's sun-facing side would soar to 250 degrees F (121 C), while thermometers on the dark side would plunge to minus 250 degrees F (-157 C). There might be a comfortable spot somewhere in the middle of the Station, but searching for it wouldn't be much fun!"

Fortunately for the crew and all the Station's hardware, the ISS is designed and built with thermal balance in mind -- and it is equipped with a thermal control system that keeps the astronauts in their orbiting home cool and comfortable,” said NASA's Science Mission Directorate

The astronauts explain the concept of retaining heat in space with an analogy of a blanket. "In space, it's a matter of insulation. Just as your blanket keeps your body heat in so you stay warm in bed, NASA space suits have insulation systems as well as heaters."

Also, the spacesuits are designed used heating elements to protect astronauts from extreme cold. It includes rechargeable lithium polymer batteries and flexible heating coils. The garment can keep you toasty at very cold temperatures.

There are microscopic balls filled with chemicals that change state according to temperature, i.e goes from solid to liquid and back to solid depending on the external temperature. The technique is used to make the glove liners. When a person's body temperature rises, the material absorbs the heat. When it drops, the material gives off the heat, providing warmth.

To brief, life on space is impossible without the high-tech spacesuits - which are specifically designed to adapt to the surroundings around them.