
Is there air conditioning on the ISS?
Published: 06th April, 2016 at 14:00
The International Space Station is exposed to temperatures of -157°C to 121°C - let's hope someone brought a coat...
Asked by: Carol Moore, Poole
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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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