Final answer:
An astronaut can maneuver in the space station by utilizing the conservation of momentum and Newton's third law, which allows movement by equal and opposite reactions to bodily movements. The International Space Station remains in a stable orbit due to its horizontal velocity. Space exploration is crucial for scientific and technological progress despite the risks and costs.
Step-by-step explanation:
Regarding the possibility of rescuing a space pod and returning it to the space station, if an astronaut finds themselves in a position of being motionless in the center of the space station and out of reach of any solid object, they can still maneuver by using the conservation of momentum. The astronaut can move their limbs or body in such a way that the rest of their body moves in the opposite direction. This is a consequence of Newton's third law, which states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. Therefore, by carefully orchestrating their movements, an astronaut can 'swim' through the air towards the direction they want to go, albeit much less efficiently than in a liquid.
As the space station is in orbit, it is constantly falling towards the Earth due to gravity, but because it has a substantial horizontal velocity, it keeps missing the Earth, creating a stable orbit. This is why the International Space Station doesn't get pulled back down to Earth.
Space exploration, whether manned or through unmanned space probes, is seen as valuable for expanding human knowledge, technological advancement, and potential economic benefits. The high risks and costs are mitigated by the potential for significant scientific discoveries and the advancement of human exploration.