Hidden Chemistry from the Apollo 11 Mission

Everyone thinks about rocket science when contemplating Apollo 11, but few people realize how much chemistry went into making the Apollo missions work. In this paper, I focus on the impacts chemistry made behind the scenes to the success of the Apollo missions and how these innovations translated into our everyday lives. Chemistry impacted the choice of materials used for everything from engines to space suits, playing an essential role in both obvious and overlooked areas. One obvious chemical contribution was the development of different rocket fuels, but the hidden chemistry was in the production, storage, and use of these fuels such as liquid oxygen and hydrogen. Polymers such as nylon, Dacron® and Mylar® were key to the design of a functional space suit, and carbon dioxide scrubbers were used for air handling in the closed system of a space suit. Hidden chemistry not only brought men to the moon, but quietly continues to influence our daily lives.

 

Presenter: 

Sabrina G. Sobel
Professor, Chemistry, Hofstra University

Date: April 20, 2020

Time: 3:00 PM

Location: Virtual Event; Advance registration required: RSVP

Please RSVP using the RSVP for this Event link. Registrants will be sent an event link to attend prior to the event. 

 

 

 

 

In case you missed the live event, please see recording:

Hidden Chemistry from the Apollo 11 Mission

 

Monday, April 20, 2020

Categories:

Location:

Hofstra University Virtual Event
Hofstra University
 Hempstead, NY 11549-1000
USA


Contact:

Kristine Glanzer


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