Examination should include dangers posed by the space environment, rocket systems, computer systems, and human error, such as
- biological concerns
- sanitation issues
- sickness and contamination
- radiation
- death
- life support issues
- the potential for extraterrestrial biological contamination
- maintenance concerns
- mechanical failure
- catastrophic failure
- temperature issues
- environmental concerns
- space debris
- ocean debris
- meteorites.
Process/Skill Questions:
- What dangers are associated with radiation?
- What considerations must be made for high-speed re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere?
- What precautions can be taken to minimize dangerous collisions with manufactured and natural objects in space?
- What are some notable aerospace accidents or tragedies? What lessons were learned as the result of each?
- Why were the Apollo 11 crew quarantined upon return from the Moon?
- Should the first explorers from Mars be quarantined upon return to Earth?