In outer space, with no massive bodies near, or in orbit around a planet or other body, the force of gravity is almost nonexistent. Many objects that are common on Earth may behave much differently in an environment with no gravity. Now that more missions have been launched, understanding of the low-gravity conditions of outer space has grown significantly since the beginning of the space program in 1957.
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Zero-gravity is one of the most important factors in future space exploration, and in turn it is important to understand how to deal with it. NASA has performed experiments on the International Space Station in Earth orbit, and ideas can now be formed about how various things may work in a low-gravity environment. For example, liquid water, as shown above, behaves much differently in zero gravity. It clumps together into large globules rather than flowing freely as on Earth.
Concepts have been proposed about ways to simulate gravity on a spacecraft or other weightless conditions to avoid some of the problems that result from weightlessness. Through Einstein's Theory of Relativity, we know that acceleration creates the same effect as gravitational force. A common example of this effect is the force that acts upon you in a moving vehicle. When accelerating in a car or other vehicle, you are pushed back into your seat with a light force similar to gravity. Deceleration produces the opposite effect, pulling objects forwards rather than backwards.
Concepts have been proposed about ways to simulate gravity on a spacecraft or other weightless conditions to avoid some of the problems that result from weightlessness. Through Einstein's Theory of Relativity, we know that acceleration creates the same effect as gravitational force. A common example of this effect is the force that acts upon you in a moving vehicle. When accelerating in a car or other vehicle, you are pushed back into your seat with a light force similar to gravity. Deceleration produces the opposite effect, pulling objects forwards rather than backwards.
However, it is impossible to simulate these conditions indefinitely, because the speed of light provides a natural speed limit past which it is impossible to accelerate. Fortunately, a similar solution has been proposed utilizing centrifugal force as artificial gravity. To the left is a picture showing a wheel-like spacecraft design that rotates quickly to create an illusion of gravity. Hypothetically, this design would function indefinitely, requiring no constant acceleration or infinite energy. In fact, it is already being put to use in astronaut training in centrifuges to simulate conditions at takeoff.
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Yet another method of gravity simulation is an extremely powerful superconductor. In recent times, tests have been run that succeeded in levitating small mice and inanimate objects. This idea is called diamagnetism, and although it does require immense amounts of energy, it does show some promise.
These ideas will all be harnessed to generate an artificial gravitational field in the near future. Future manned space missions may incorporate all of the methods shown above, and maybe even others we have yet to discover.
These ideas will all be harnessed to generate an artificial gravitational field in the near future. Future manned space missions may incorporate all of the methods shown above, and maybe even others we have yet to discover.