2007-08-13 07:53:53 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
Probably not...unless you could justify taking the thing up as part of an experiment (see the link below). The fact is that getting things in to space is very expensive and the flight engineers tend to be very selective about what is allowed to fly. While such a small thing would likely not matter much in terms of weight, one should not forget the proverbial "straw" that broke the camel's back. One other thing to consider is how far from earth you and the rest of the gear need to go. Did you ever wonder why the robots that go to Mars are so small? That's because the further you go the more fuel you need and the more every gram costs to launch. In reality, your cardboard air freshener would probably not be an issue (other than insulting the sensibilities of your fellow passengers) if it were a normal shuttle flight.
2007-08-13 09:20:10 · answer #1 · answered by Doug A 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you were an astronaut, whatever you bring with you would have to be checked to ensure that it does not cause problems with other astronauts and various systems.
For example, the CO2 in the shuttle air (breathed out by astronauts) is "scrubbed" by using chemicals that remove the Carbon from the CO2 molecule, and return the Oxygen. The performance of these chemicals can be affected by the presence of other molecules (for example water vapor, poly-aromatics, etc.) So your air freshener woud have to be checked.
If it checks out and if it is OK with others, then why not. Just don't bring it on board without telling others (just in case it does interfere with something -- you can't open the windows in space).
2007-08-13 15:52:36 · answer #2 · answered by Raymond 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Actually there is a scented air freshener pellet in the ventilation system of today's spacecraft. One of the first brilliant discoveries in the days of the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo missions was that spacecraft smell terrible inside after a few hours. People stink.
On the current mission, it's peach-cinnamon. Strawberry is used on some missions.
In the meantime, are you making straight "A's" in math and science? Good. Glad to hear it.
2007-08-13 19:39:55 · answer #3 · answered by aviophage 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Why not? It would be a pleasant thing, provided it is not lilacs.
2007-08-13 14:57:35 · answer #4 · answered by most important person you know 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋