The International Space Station orbits the Earth at a height of around 400 km. One of the many difficulties the ISS has is keeping a livable atmosphere in the void of space. This blog will look at how the ISS’s special heating and cooling systems handle temperature extremes.
Insulation in the ISS
The International Space Station (ISS) is also outfitted with cutting-edge insulating materials to shield it from the arctic conditions of space while it is in shadow. The astronauts’ ability to stay at a comfortable internal temperature depends on these insulating materials. Insulation protects against severe heat upon re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere as well as the loss of heat to the environment of space. This makes heating systems in space very important.
Radiation in space
Since there is hardly any air in space, heat is solely transported by radiation, as opposed to the conduction or convection that occurs in the air back on Earth. They employ a highly reflective blanket known as Multi-Layer Insulation (MLI) to essentially cover the whole space station to prevent thermal radiation from increasing the interior temperature of the ISS or from losing heat from the ISS to the outside.
Temperature control in space
Unlike Earth, which has an atmosphere that aids in heat transfer and temperature control, space is an airless emptiness with sharp temperature variations. The ISS’s exterior temperature may reach over 121 degrees Celsius in bright sunshine, but it can also reach -157 degrees Celsius while it is in the Earth’s shadow. To safeguard the astronauts and the equipment on board from these severe circumstances, complex heating and cooling systems had to be developed.
The Heat Dissipators: Radiators
The ISS’s radiators play a key role in keeping the spaceship from overheating. These radiators maximise the surface area available for heat dissipation by combining big surfaces with plenty of tubes. They are positioned carefully to vent extra heat into space, where the atmosphere serves as a significant heat sink. By using this passive cooling technique, the station’s temperature-sensitive parts are properly shielded from harm brought on by excessive heat.
Advanced Active Thermal Control Systems (ATCS)
These are used by the International Space Station to control temperature variations. These systems use pumps, radiators, and heat exchangers to control the station’s temperature and operate on the idea of heat exchange. The radiators, which are substantial panels fixed to the ISS’s exterior, receive any extra heat produced by onboard machinery. To keep the temperature within the station steady, these radiators radiate heat towards space.
Although we don’t employ heating systems or air conditioning in space we do however place them in your homes or commercial buildings! Our air conditioning installers will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have. Please contact us for more information.