International Space Station

Space Stations have to have power to run everything it has aboard. Space stations in the past to the present have used solar power to get their power. Space stations use solar rays given off by the sun, which is then turned into electricity to run the module. Eight solar arrays that cover approximately an acre each receive the sun light from the sun. To keep the arrays facing the sun the mast that holds the arrays turns on a gimbal (Work 11). On the arrays are tiny cells called photovoltaic cells that catch light and convert it to energy. Light is caught in the form of photons by solar cells. When the cells catch photons, one electron is then set free causing a hole to be formed where that electron was. The electric field will send the electron to the negative side and the hole will be sent to the positive side. This causes disruption because the free electron will want to unite with the hole again. The electron will then want flow back over to the positive side and it will cause current. The whole process done by the cell’s electric field causes a voltage. When current and power are put together, power is produced (Cells 3). The arrays produce about 160 volts of DC electricity. The space station’s equipment is ran by a 124-volt

Experiments are being conducted in microgravity to try to understand the effects it has on objects. Experiments on fluids are being performed to try to better understand how they flow in microgravity (Illustrated 219). These fluids will help engineers to build earthquake-resistant buildings, increase productivity in materials processing, and performance of power generating sources. Science on combustion is performed to better understand the ways to improve combustion efficiency, reducing pollution and transportation costs. Biotechnology experiments on protein crystals is being performed trying to achieve better medicines with fewer side effects (Microgravity 2).

On the ISS, astronauts do not get the fresh food that all of us are used to on Earth. Food is meant to be stored over a long time. It is stored in different forms like dehydrated, low moisture, heat-stabilized, irradiated, or natural. All this food is stored in food storage compartments in the galley or kitchen. Heat-stabilized food has to be prepared on food warmers to be able to be eaten. The food that is dehydrated or has low moisture has to have water added to it (Work 10).

volt DC current transformer. Some of the equipment onboard runs on AC current so there is power converters to fix that problem. Excess power from the arrays is used to charge the batteries for when the ISS passes through the Earth’s shadow (Work 11).

In outer space, cold temperatures vary throughout the ISS. Electronic equipment produces enough heat to keep the ISS heated, but the problem is the equipment produces to much heat. The problem is that excess heat is produced. A temperature control system was needed to distribute heat where it is needed and to get rid of excess heat. The first method to temperature control is the passive methods. This involves using insulation between rooms to minimize heat loss between rooms. Also, using electric heaters to heat small spaces. Next, putting liquid ammonia in a pipe to transfer heat from a warm area to a cold area. The ammonia evaporates at the warm end and goes to the cold end to give off heat (Work 9).