all about space chemistry

2. The words down here have a point
When we think about sending a spacecraft to
another planet or into space, we ask questions
like, “What will it look for?” or “How can we get it
to its destination?” But when was the last time
we asked, “What will it be made of?” This
question is extremely important, as the material
we choose needs to be suitable for the mission’s
goals and locations. Imagine if we sent a satellite
to a planet that can reach high temperatures, like
Mercury, only to have it melt upon arrival!

3. There is no space exploration if no
chemistry
The study of how materials react to chemicals or
conditions is called material science, and it is a very
important field within chemistry for NASA scientists.
For example, the New Horizons spacecraft, which was
designed to fly by Pluto, was constructed of aluminum
because it’s cheap and lightweight, which meant less
fuel was needed to launch it into space. The Mars
Curiosity rover, on the other hand, used a suspension
system built largely out of titanium not just because it
is strong, but also resistant to radiation. Similarly,
titanium was used to protect the science instruments
aboard the Juno spacecraft from the even more
intense radiation at Jupiter.

4. Chemicals used for fuel
Despite criticism and early technical failures, the
taming of liquid hydrogen proved to be one of
NASA's most significant technical
accomplishments. . . . Hydrogen -- a light and
extremely powerful rocket propellant -- has the
lowest molecular weight of any known substance
and burns with extreme intensity (5,500°F). In
combination with an oxidizer such as liquid
oxygen, liquid hydrogen yields the highest specific
impulse, or efficiency in relation to the amount of
propellant consumed, of any known rocket
propellant.
Even ISRO uses liquid fuel

5. Rocket chemistry
• Aluminum fuels rocket boosters
• Ammonium per chlorate, the salt of perchloric acid and ammonia, is a
powerful oxidizer (read: majorly explosive). In the boosters, the aluminum
powder and ammonium perchlorate are held together by a binder,
polybutadiene acrylonitrile, or PBAN. The mixture, with the consistency of a
rubber eraser, is then packed into a steel case.
When it burns, oxygen from the
ammonium perchlorate combines with
aluminum to produce aluminum oxide,
aluminum chloride, water vapor and nitrogen
gas – and lots of energy.
This is what the inside of the empty booster case looked like after the first
qualification motor test in March 2015. Preparations are already well
underway for the second qualification test this summer

6. What is the body of the rocket made
of
The structural system, or frame, is similar to the fuselage of an
airplane. The frame is made from very strong but light weight
materials, like titanium or aluminum, and usually employs
long "stringers" which run from the top to the bottom which
are connected to "hoops" which run around the
circumference. This is why Aluminum and aluminum
composite materials are used on spacecraft. Aluminum is
light but also very sturdy. Using titanium alloys can also
strengthen the body of the ship.

7. What is a space suit made of
The innermost layer is made up of a Nylon tricot
material. Another layer is composed
of spandex, an elastic wearable polymer.
There is also a layer of urethane-coated nylon,
which is involved in pressurization. Dacron—a
type of polyester—is used for a pressure-
restraining layer.

8. Why is it white
• One of the most important reasons is that
white reflects heat so that the astronaut
doesn't get too warm.
• Another reason spacewalkers use white
spacesuits is that white is visible against the
black background of space, so other
astronauts can easily see the spacewalker

9. How is oxygen supplied in the ISS
Electrolysis of water (H2O) is the main method
to generate oxygen aboard the ISS. Water is
split into oxygen (O2) and hydrogen (H2).
The oxygen is vented into the breathable
cabin air system, known as
the Oxygen Generation System, while the
explosive hydrogen is vented externally

10. Space food
• Space food is a type of food product created
and processed for consumption
by astronauts in outer space
• It is dehydrated and packed
• Astronauts have to drink boiled water then eat
for a better taste.