Robots in Space Space Travel is Difficult It

Robots in Space

Space Travel is Difficult • It is very dangerous for humans to travel to space. • It is also dangerous for humans to be in space because of the random temperature swings and solar radiation. • Temperature swings can range from 120 degrees Celsius (248 degrees Fahrenheit) to -100 degrees Celsius (-148 degrees Fahrenheit).

Astronauts • The space suits that the astronauts wear are bulky and uncomfortable. • The suits hinder quick movement. • If there is an emergency astronauts cannot get outside quick enough to respond to the situation. • For these reasons robots are far more better candidates for space travel.

Robonauts • Robots that look like humans are called robonauts. • Robonauts can handle harsh conditions in space. • They are built to look like humans so that they can use the same facilities we do.

Physiology of Robonauts • Robonauts have a head, arms, and a torso just like humans but instead of legs they have an anchoring device that keeps them in place. • The robonauts head has a camera that allows the human operator to see what the robonaut encounters. • Robonauts have an aluminum inner skeleton and an outer shell.

Telepresence • Telepresence is the use of virtual reality hardware. This allows the human to operate the robonauts movement by moving their own bodies. • Telepresence allows the robonaut to perform movements such as using scissors to cut, tying a knot and using power tools.

Advantages of using robots • Tasks are done quicker. • Humans are not placed in danger. • Robots do not need to be brought back to earth, which is easier. • Robots do not require life support (food and energy). • Robots can go places humans cannot. • Sending robots into space instead of humans is easier on the economy.

Disadvantages of robots • Robots have not been designed to install and fix things that humans can. • Robots cannot handle problems that they are not able to see, whereas humans can. • Robots cannot perform extensive research that humans can. • Robots can malfunction on individual missions and humans will not be there to fix the problem.

Sources • http: //www. nasaexplores. nasa. gov/search _nav_9_12. php? id=03 -012&gl=912 • http: //learnaboutrobots. com/space. htm • http: //en. wikipedia. org/wiki/nanotechnology • http: //nasaexplores. nasa. gov/show 2_articl ea. php? id=03 -012 • http: //letu. edu/people/annieolson/1023 We bs/sp 02/llo-sud/aman 1. html