Open World p 64. Everyday Inventions. Listening

1. In order to take high resolution images in space, a digital device that was ____________ but not too big had to be created. 

2. Should astronauts want to drink a strong cup of coffee, they have a machine that uses ___________________ available.

3. In order to detect any __________________________ of gas on the space station, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors were devised. 

4. With freeze-dried food they rose to _____________________________ astronauts in space. 

5. Foil blankets are simply __________________ that we use to protect people from very cold temperatures.

 

KEY

1. portable

 

 

 

2. pressurised steam 

 

 

3.potentially lethal leaks 

 

 

 

4. the challenge of feeding

 

 

 

5. metallic sheets

 

 

Track 030

Here are five things we wouldn't have without space travel.

One: camera phones.

From the 1960s, NASA researchers worked to create the digital devices that were small and portable enough to enable astronauts to take high resolution images while in space.

Today, one third of all camera phones contain the same technology.

Two: espresso machines.

In order for astronauts to remain alert throughout their missions, the European Space Agency came up with a way of using pressurised steam to make a more potent cup of coffee.

So next time you order an espresso, remember that it is the drink of astronauts.

Three: smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Now a common feature in homes and workplaces all over the world, these were first devised for the Skylab programme in the 1970s, to ensure that astronauts would become aware of any potentially lethal leaks of gas on the space station.

Four: freeze-dried food.

One solution to the challenge of feeding astronauts in space was the development of freeze-dried food.

Nowadays, fruit, ice cream and many other products can also be made to last longer in the same way.

Five: foil blankets. These metallic sheets, used on Earth in extreme temperatures, were developed as a way of protecting both spacecraft and people in space.