Space Exploration Isn’t Great for the Earth (But It Could Be)

The video discusses the environmental impact of space exploration and introduces green technologies to mitigate it. It covers alternatives to toxic propellants like hydrazine, such as ammonium dinitrimide (ADN) and metal organic frameworks. The video also explores innovative cleaning methods for spacecraft, including supercritical carbon dioxide and plasma cleaning, highlighting their potential to reduce environmental harm.

What is one of the main environmental concerns associated with space exploration?

• Depletion of Earth's magnetic field

• Overpopulation of satellites

• Toxic cleaning solvents and greenhouse gases

• Increased solar radiation

What is a significant advantage of using ammonium dinitrimide (ADN) over hydrazine?

• ADN requires no catalyst

• ADN is cheaper to produce

• ADN is less toxic and environmentally cleaner

• ADN is more explosive

How did scientists manage to reduce the ignition temperature of ADN?

• By developing a 3D printed catalyst

• By cooling the propellant

• By increasing the pressure

• By using a stronger oxidizer

What are metal organic frameworks primarily composed of?

• Nitrogen and sulfur

• Silicon and oxygen

• Carbon and hydrogen

• Metal ions and organic linkers

What is a potential benefit of using metal organic frameworks as propellants?

• They are less reactive

• They are more stable than hydrazine

• They can release large amounts of energy

• They are easier to store

What is a key feature of supercritical carbon dioxide used in cleaning?

• It is a solid at room temperature

• It has properties of both a liquid and a gas

• It is highly corrosive

• It is a strong oxidizer

How does plasma cleaning work to remove contaminants?

• By dissolving them in a liquid

• By breaking them down with high-energy ions and electrons

• By freezing them

• By using high-pressure water jets