Is there air conditioning on the ISS?

Asked by: Carol Moore, Poole

Yes. The ISS is exposed to temperatures of -157°C to 121°C. It either radiates heat in the Earth’s shade or warms up in strong sunlight. Like a giant hot water tank, it is lagged with layers of Mylar insulation. Inside, water pipes absorb excess heat from the crew and their equipment. Via a heat exchanger, the water warms up an ammonia-filled radiator on the outside. With its low freezing point, the ammonia stays liquid while releasing heat into space.

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