- #1
RohanTalkad
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It because of the tremendous force they COULD face if taken off vertically? Is this is due to inertia (resistance to change motion)?
Why are astronauts placed horizontally when taking off?
- Thread starter RohanTalkad
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Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the reasons for positioning astronauts horizontally during takeoff. It explores the implications of g-forces on the human body, the prevention of G-induced Loss Of Consciousness (G-LOC), and potential benefits to spinal health.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Technical explanation
- Conceptual clarification
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- Some participants suggest that horizontal positioning may mitigate the tremendous forces faced during vertical takeoff, potentially due to inertia.
- Others argue that the g-forces experienced by astronauts are the same regardless of orientation, but lying down allows for a more even distribution of these forces across the body.
- There are mentions of preventing G-LOC as a reason for this positioning, with references to blood pooling in the legs and feet.
- One participant notes that the direction of g-forces affects how much force a person can withstand, with horizontal positioning possibly being more favorable for the spine.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express multiple competing views regarding the effects of positioning on g-forces and the prevention of G-LOC. The discussion remains unresolved, with no consensus reached on the primary reasons for horizontal positioning.
Contextual Notes
Some claims depend on assumptions about human physiology and the mechanics of g-forces, which are not fully explored or agreed upon in the discussion.
- #2
davenn
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Hi Rohan
welcome to PF
The g-forces are the same on the person in either way
But when they are lying as they do, the forces are more evenly spread across the whole bodyDave
welcome to PF
RohanTalkad said:
The g-forces are the same on the person in either way
But when they are lying as they do, the forces are more evenly spread across the whole bodyDave
- #3
berkeman
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- #4
RohanTalkad
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Oh I see, thanks!davenn said:Hi Rohan
welcome to PF
The g-forces are the same on the person in either way
But when they are lying as they do, the forces are more evenly spread across the whole bodyDave
- #5
davenn
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berkeman said:
thanks
Yes, I should have gone on to comment about blood draining from upper body and pooling in legs and feetD
- #6
e.bar.goum
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The g-force you can stand depends on the direction of that force, and where the force goes through your back to front (or vice-versa) gives you the best ability to withstand it. Mary Roach's book Packing for Mars has a rather good section on this (the book is hilarious too).
- #7
Lord Crc
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I guess it's also easier on their spine?