2.-Is the International Space Station noisy? Can this cause problems to the astronauts?


The International Space Station is quite noisy. Sound levels at the International Space Station, which is in low Earth orbit since 1998, ranging between 55 and 78 decibels, equivalent to the volume between a normal conversation and a lawnmower. The noise comes from the fans that circulate the air in the station. Before the noise was ten highest decibels.

NASA has tried to reduce noise by soundproofing various systems, such as vibration isolation fan, install acoustic panels on the walls and silencers on vents. Spoiled fans with more efficient are also replaced. With repairs, the levels are close to achieving the target, between 50 and 60 decibels.


Astronauts spend up to six months on the station conducting research, so noise is a real problem. On Earth acceptable levels below 85 decibels are considered in work environments, but there is no standard for uninterrupted exposure beyond eight hours a day. And at the station no way to avoid exposure to noise. Team members who work, eat and sleep on the service module are there continuously, without rest. Apart from an article by a Russian news agency in which a decrease in hearing astronauts mentioned, there is no evidence to prove it, but there is no doubt that it would be beneficial that the station was quieter.

The problem of high noise is such that the astronauts are forced long to sleep with earplugs.

This has led, according to an article by the Russian news agency that there are cases of decreased hearing ability of astronauts. There is no evidence to support it, but NASA continues to work on reducing this everlasting noise.

To this end, it has sought to reduce noise with different soundproofing systems, such as vibration isolation fan, install acoustic panels on the walls and silencers on vents. It is estimated that soon levels between 50 and 60 decibels is achieved.

"Team members who work, eat and sleep on the service module are there continuously without rest." Apart from an article in a Russian news agency in which a decrease in hearing astronauts mentioned, there is no evidence to prove it, but there is no doubt that it would be beneficial that the station was quieter.   

Laura Bertrán Rebollo  1º.A