A crawl space is a cheaper alternative to a basement, consisting of block walls and either a concrete or gravel floor. It can be accessed from both inside and outside the house. Moisture is a major issue, but insulation and a vapor barrier can help prevent damage. A fully finished concrete crawl space is the […]
Asgardia is the world’s first virtual space nation created by Russian-Azerbaijani scientist and billionaire Igor Ashurbeyli. It currently has over 140,000 citizens from 200 countries. Asgardia hopes to become a peaceful society and is working towards getting recognition as a sovereign nation by the United Nations. It also has its own cryptocurrency called Solar. In […]
ESA astronaut Thomas Pesquet captured an image of lava flowing from Mount Etna while aboard the International Space Station in March 2017. The volcano experienced powerful eruptions that year, resulting in lava visible from space for the first time. The International Space Station is primarily used for research and its imaging system has helped with […]
Space advertising includes advertising in space and related to space, with limitations imposed by many nations. Companies use space advertising to attract customers and investors, including through souvenirs and marketing campaigns. Intrusive space advertising is banned due to concerns about visual pollution and safety hazards. Mounting large, visible advertising in space is a significant challenge. […]
The SPACE Act allows US citizens and companies to commercially exploit resources found on asteroids, overturning the idea that space is public domain. Some asteroids contain valuable resources like platinum, making asteroid mining a potentially lucrative industry. The term asteroid means “star-shaped” in Greek, and NASA challenges trainees to find errors in the movie Armageddon. […]
The SPACE Act allows US companies and citizens to use resources found on asteroids for commercial gain, overturning the idea that space is public domain. Some asteroids contain valuable resources like platinum. The word asteroid means “star-shaped” in Greek and a large asteroid may have caused the extinction of dinosaurs. Thanks to the Spurring Private […]
A confined space entry permit is required for any area with limited entry or exit, such as silos, tanks, or sewers. The permit assesses hazards, minimizes danger, and outlines rescue procedures. Employers must have a comprehensive program in place to protect workers, including testing the location, providing safety equipment, and having at least one trained […]
Space frame design is a skeleton-type approach to building construction and automotive manufacturing that offers weight savings, increased stiffness, and increased durability. The concept dates back to the 1900s and is rooted in the natural stiffness of angular constructs. Spatial structures are most commonly employed in large rooftops and experimental buildings, while some high-end automakers […]
Space manufacturing involves creating objects in orbit or beyond, taking advantage of microgravity and vacuum conditions. Benefits include improved industrial processes and lower costs for goods. Products can be returned to Earth or used in space, and dangerous processes can be conducted more safely. Space manufacturing refers to the process of creating various objects outside […]
Temporary office space is rented by businesses until a permanent location is found. It’s used for short-term projects, start-ups, political campaigns, and transient businesses. Commercial buildings often have unused office suites available for lease. Temporary office space is usually commercial property rented or leased by a business or small business owner until a more permanent […]
Government agencies like the US Department of Occupational Safety and Health regulate working conditions in confined spaces to prevent accidents. Confined spaces are defined as areas with limited entry and exit and potential hazards. Employers must comply with regulations, including written authorization, standby personnel, and adequate training for workers. Confined space regulations prioritize safety and […]
Defensible space around structures should have limited combustible materials, including pruned trees and shrubs. Fire departments may offer assistance in creating this space, which can reduce fire damage and increase firefighting effectiveness. Firescaping can include plants to prevent soil erosion. Regional fire departments may have specific advice. Defensible space is the area immediately around a […]
Texas allows residents to vote from space. Houston resident David Wolf was the first to vote from space in 1997. Texas county officials work with NASA to prepare ballots and broadcast them to the International Space Station. Other Texan astronauts have also voted from space. Astronauts must exercise daily and earn an annual salary of […]
Space architects specialize in designing built spaces for space exploration and potential colonization. They consider human interaction, mental well-being, environmental forces, efficiency, and whole systems. Space architects work on various projects and need to understand engineering and project costs. Space architecture is a constantly expanding field with highly competitive training programs. A space architect is […]
During the Cold War, the Soviet Union and the United States were in a heated competition for supremacy in space. The Soviet Union sent dogs into space, and one of them gave birth to a puppy named Pushinka, which was sent to US President John F. Kennedy as a gift. This helped thaw their icy […]
Confined space rescues are necessary when a person is trapped in a small, difficult-to-access area. These rescues are dangerous and can result in death. Asphyxiation is a common cause of death, but additional oxygen can help. Self-rescue or external assistance may be possible, but untrained individuals should not attempt a rescue. Confined spaces include silos, […]
The US Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama houses historic space objects and moonstones, simulators and rides, and offers space camps for all ages. The museum was founded by Dr. Wernher von Braun and has over 1,500 space-related artifacts, including rock fragments from the moon. The Center also offers the Aviation Challenge program for […]
The Space Needle is a futuristic observation deck and tourist attraction in Seattle, built in less than a year for the 1962 World’s Fair. Its stability and strength come from an extremely heavy foundation. The building underwent renovations in 2000, and is now open 365 days a year. The Space Needle is a notable observation […]
The Space Shuttle Challenger was a commonly used shuttle in the early 1980s, completing important tasks such as the first spacewalk and hosting the first female and African American in space. It disintegrated upon launch due to a leak in the solid rocket booster caused by a hardened O-ring and strong wind gusts, killing all […]
Space shuttle Atlantis is one of three remaining orbiters in NASA’s fleet. It has completed over 30 missions, including trips to the International Space Station and Hubble Space Telescope. The shuttle is named after a research vessel and was scheduled to end service in 2010. It takes off vertically and acts as a glider upon […]