Lately, some of NASA's missions have been underwater instead of space. NASA is experimenting, or recreating, some of the same experiences, from space, underwater. It is called NEEMO. The latest mission was launched on May 10th. A group of 6 scientists, lab technicians, and astronauts will "live" in Aquarius Underwater Laboratory for 14 days. This Lab is located near Largo, Florida and is 62 feet below the ocean's surface.Aquarius will give the squad a chance to test low-gravity surroundings, just like the moon and the planets. Furthermore, another experiment is what it feels like to live in a tiny, detached environment for a lengthy period of time. The most important idea is to learn to work as a team. This will help the astronauts when they go on space missions to the ISS or the moon. Lastly, they crew is also studying a the marine life.
"Even though we are working on stimlating a space mission, we are alsoWearing special equipment, the squad will perform 24 "spacewalks" underwater. They will treat the equipment and the drive the vehicals as if they were on the moon. Wearing special diving suits the team will adjust the gravity just like it is in space. These experiments will help NASA design better spacesuits for the future. NASA hopes to learn very much by this experience.
evaluating the underwater envioronment and looking at the health of the coral
reef," says engineer Heather Paul, who is part of the shore-based crew.
www.timeforkids.com/TFK/kids/news/story/0,28277,1988927,00.htmlhttp://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/technology/diving/aquarius/media/aquarius_port_side_600.jpg
http://www.sti.nasa.gov/tto/Spinoff2006/images/p092-0109_img_20.jpg
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