How temperature management works in space?
If you're like me, you've probably dreamed of traveling to space and walking on the Moon. But before we can accomplish this dream, we need to understand how temperature management works in space. Extreme temperatures can cause considerable damage to our bodies and equipment, so we need efficient cooling technologies for space missions.
In this article, we will examine temperature management aboard the International Space Station (ISS). We will discuss the technologies used to maintain a comfortable temperature for astronauts working in space.
Temperatures in space
Temperatures in space are extreme, ranging from -270.45°C in the coldest areas to +3000°C in the hottest areas. But aboard the ISS, astronauts have to deal with temperatures ranging from -157°C to +121°C. That's a difference of nearly 300°C!
Insulation and cooling technology
To manage these extreme temperatures, engineers have implemented a combination of insulation and cooling technologies. Insulation helps to keep the heat inside the space station and prevents external heat from penetrating on the hot side.The insulation of the International Space Station is out of the ordinary. It is composed of three high-tech layers MLI that keep astronauts in a livable environment. The first layer of Mylar serves as a reflective layer that blocks solar radiation. It is very thin, only 0.3 mm thick. The second layer of Kapton acts as a protective layer. The third layer of Dacron acts as an intermediate layer to prevent heat propagation.
Heat exchangers
The space station's cooling system includes heat exchangers that absorb heat and warm water that circulates through pipes. These pipes carry the hot water to another set of pipes containing ammonia, which heats up due to the heat. Ammonia is used because its freezing temperature is much lower than that of water. The heated ammonia is then transported to large radiators located outside the space station.
Radiators
The radiators are made up of two huge sets of light-colored panels on the outside of the station. They transfer heat into space, emitting heat into space and preventing it from entering the station.
The SPARTAN program
The solar panels on the International Space Station are designed to convert solar energy into electrical energy. This is why they have 16,400 photovoltaic cells installed on them. These cells can turn sunlight into electricity, which is then used to power the station's systems. Each panel on the solar wings is 33.9 meters long and 4.7 meters wide, and each one pivots to always position the solar cells facing the Sun.
Air circulation
In addition to heat management, it's important to regulate air circulation throughout the station. The air conditioning and survival system must work in tandem with the cooling system to prevent areas from becoming too cold or too hot. Air circulation also helps to keep all equipment functioning properly.
Conclusion
In summary, temperature management aboard the International Space Station is a remarkable feat of engineering that involves a combination of insulation, cooling technologies, heat exchangers, radiators, and air circulation systems. These technologies maintain the temperature on board the space station at around 24 °C, so that astronauts can work comfortably.
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credits : https://www.haus-der-astronomie.de/3829589/ApprovisionnementElectrique_ISS_professeur_FR.pdf
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