Short Wave From The Physics Of G-Force To Weightlessness: How It Feels To Launch Into Space
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Jun 11, 2024 Dive into the thrilling world of space launches! Discover the intense G-forces astronauts experience as they blast off, and feel the exhilarating weightlessness once they reach orbit. Explore the fascinating physics that govern these sensations, alongside a thought-provoking look at gravity's role in spacecraft motion. Plus, learn about the urgent issue of space debris and the need for responsible practices to keep our orbit safe. Get ready for an out-of-this-world adventure!
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Wendy's First Launch
- Astronaut Wendy Lawrence describes her first launch as surreal, feeling thrown forward when the engines cut off.
- She couldn't fully appreciate the Earth's curvature due to the sudden weightlessness and disorientation.
Rocket Physics
- Rockets launch based on Newton's third law: every action has an equal and opposite reaction.
- The expelled fuel (exhaust) creates thrust, propelling the rocket upward against Earth's gravity.
Escaping Gravity
- Escaping Earth's gravity requires immense velocity to overcome the curvature of spacetime.
- Astronauts experience intense G-forces during acceleration, feeling significantly heavier.
