2006-06-19 20:31:17 · 10 answers · asked by ronald m 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Other - Science
ANSWER from Eric Hammer on April 14, 1997: Since the Space Shuttle circles the Earth once every 90 minutes, the astronauts onboard have the unique
opportunity of seeing many sunrise/sunset events every day. Therefore, unlike on Earth where we can look at the sun and get a rough idea of what time it is (before noon, after noon, dawn, dusk, etc.), the astronauts have no real reference of time. As a Flight Controller in the Mission Control Center, our primary measurement of time is Mission Elapsed Time (MET). This is a time system that begins from zero just as the Space Shuttle lifts off from the launch pad. All of our timelines and key events are referenced to MET, and thus that is the primary time reference for the astronauts as well. A secondary time reference is Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). This is a universal time system used around the world, and corresponds to the time in Greenwich, England. For example, it is 1010 local time in Houston right now. To convert that to GMT, I would have to add 5 hours, so it is 1510 GMT!
2006-06-19 20:36:58 · answer #1 · answered by mycatslinky 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Shuttle astronauts set their watches to Houston time. This is because Mission Control is in Houston, so it's easy if the astronauts and Mission Control both experience morning, noon, and night at the same time.
Sometimes, the astronauts will work in shifts -- one set may have a day shift and the other will have a night shift. On missions with a lot of experiments, the astronauts may do this in order to get more done.
On the International Space Station, the astronauts set their watches to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT, a time zone that includes England, traditionally the time zone we use to time astronomical events and other things.) Since 16 countries are involved in the International Space Station, this is a convenient time zone for everyone.
Thanks for your question!
2006-06-20 03:37:27 · answer #2 · answered by nevyn55025 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The time zone used in space is the time zone from which the spacecraft lifted off from and in the case of the American shuttle it would be the Eastern time zone of the United States.
2006-06-27 04:16:07 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The same time zone as ground control in Houston Texas.
2006-06-20 03:34:43 · answer #4 · answered by eggman 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They don't nesessarly use "time zones" they use greenwitch mean time for any type of time reference so as to not get confused.
2006-06-20 03:37:27 · answer #5 · answered by picturekevin23 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good Question
GMT - Greenwich Mean Time
That's the world standard time.
2006-06-20 03:39:47 · answer #6 · answered by Adam the Engineer 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
SST
Sunlight Savings Time
2006-06-20 03:34:36 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
whatever time zone their over???
2006-06-20 03:34:37 · answer #8 · answered by adam lazzara is so sexy 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would guess it's Greenwich time.
2006-06-20 03:34:22 · answer #9 · answered by 1235 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i dunna
2006-06-27 04:10:09 · answer #10 · answered by IT 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋