DOCTORS IN SPACE

Duration: 30 min

Year Published: 1956

Creator: KUHT

Format: 16mm

Color: B&W

Sound: Sound

Description: 1. FLIGHT TOWARD THE STARS. Discusses high-altitude flying with particular attention to rocket craft. Relates this discussion to flight in space. Features William B. Bridgeman, test pilot, who presents an account of his own experiences with the pioneer Douglas "Sky-rocket". 2. MEDICINE OF FLIGHT. Traces the development of aviation medicine. Discusses the founding of the Department of Space Medicine at the School of Aviation Medicine, United States Air Force. Shows the kind of experimental research in high-altitude physiology being performed. 3. SEA OF AIR. Surveys the special problems of space medicine. Describes the physical characteristics of the upper atmosphere. Covers such areas as vanishing oxygen and atmosphere, ultraviolet and cosmic radiation, heat and friction, meteors, contrasts of light and darkness, etc. 4. LIVING ROOM IN THE VOID. Discusses protective devices for flyers in space. Demonstrates the Air Force partial pressure suit. Explains the effects of "explosive decompression." Presents a design for a three-stage rocket vehicle. Points out special features of the cabin unit. 5. GAS OF LIFE. Explains the importance of oxygen in sustaining life. Points out problems involved in developing a closed ecological system such as a sealed cabin in space. Presents the research being conducted with photosynthesis. 6. UNSEEN BURDEN. Describes the effects of air pressure on the human body. Relates the protection which the earth's atmosphere affords to problems of space travel. Stresses the problems of preventing the body fluids from bubbling away and cushioning the impact of meteors. 7. TORRID JOURNEY. Discusses the problems of radiant heat from the sun with respect to space travel. Stresses aerodynamic heating from friction when leaving and reentering the earth's atmosphere. The late Captain Kirchelae tells of his experiences with the rocket powered Bell X-2. 8. ATOMIC BARRAGE. Discusses the problem of ultraviolet radiation and cosmic rays in space travel. Reviews studies concerning the harmful effects of ozone. Explains the origin and nature of cosmic rays. Reports on experiments with mice and other animals exposed to cosmic rays. 9. COLLISION STATIONS. Discusses the problem of meteorite damage during space travel. Demonstrates the Navy's full-pressure space suit for emergency exit. Explains the difficulties of escape and survival in space. 10. ETERNAL DAY, ETERNAL NIGHT. Provides an imaginary ride in a space satellite 784 miles above the earth. Discusses the problems of absence of sound in space, contrast between light and darkness, and physiological and psychological disturbances. 11. UNSUBSTANTIAL FLESH. Discusses the problem of weightlessness during space flight. Explains experiments being conducted on weightlessness. Tells how weightlessness is achieved during jet plane flight. 12. SATELLITES AND MISSILES. Discusses the development of the rocket missile and earth satellite. Presents a description of the ballistic missile program. Forecasts the use of rocket vehicle in transcontinental and intercontinental passenger transport. 13. LIFE ON OTHER WORLDS. Discusses the question of life on other planets. Reviews what is known and speculated about the biological environments on other worlds—especially Mars—and the possibility of finding or establishing life on them.

Complete Record: Source: NET Interest level: sh-c-ad Price: rent ea $4.75 Format: sd b&w

Metadata Source:Educational film guide. Supplements (1959-62)