Table of Contents
- 1 How did the space shuttle get power?
- 2 How does the space station fulfill its energy needs?
- 3 How do we generate electricity in space?
- 4 How much electricity does a space shuttle use?
- 5 What were the benefits of the space shuttle program?
- 6 How do energy and thrust relate to the success of a space shuttle?
- 7 What methods have been used in the past to generate electricity in space?
How did the space shuttle get power?
Fuel cells are used in the space shuttle as one component of the electrical power system. Three fuel cell power plants, through a chemical reaction, generate all of the electrical power for the vehicle from launch through landing rollout.
How does the space station fulfill its energy needs?
The space station’s electrical power system uses eight photovoltaic solar arrays to convert sunlight to electricity. Each of the eight solar arrays is 112 feet long by 39 feet wide. Gimbals are used to rotate the arrays so that they face the sun to provide maximum power to the space station.
How much weight could the space shuttle carry?
The Orbiter was about 37.1 m (122 ft) long with a wingspan of about 23.8 m (78 ft). The cargo/payload carrying capacity was limited by the 18.3-m- (60-ft)-long by 4.6-m- (15-ft)- wide payload bay. The cargo/payload weighed up to 29,000 kg (65,000 pounds), depending on the desired orbital inclination.
How do we generate electricity in space?
Spacecraft that orbit Earth, called satellites, are close enough to the Sun that they can often use solar power. These spacecraft have solar panels which convert the Sun’s energy into electricity that powers the spacecraft. The electricity from the solar panels charges a battery in the spacecraft.
How much electricity does a space shuttle use?
The nominal power consumption of the Space Shuttle was 7000 W (plus additional power required for payloads it was carrying) and that of the Apollo was ∼1690–4260 W.
How much electricity does the space station use?
The ISS uses around 80 kilowatts for normal functions, although power need can fluctuate somewhat (up to around 90 kw). The electricity is received through massive solar cells on the ISS. They can be adjusted to provide up to around 125 kw (DC), more than what the ISS usually needs.
What were the benefits of the space shuttle program?
The shuttle’s benefits And shuttle missions repaired and upgraded Hubble multiple times, enabling scientists to see the universe as never before. Further, the $100 billion International Space Station, which could provide big research dividends down the road, has taken shape largely as a result of the shuttle’s efforts.
How do energy and thrust relate to the success of a space shuttle?
They learn that thrust force is needed to launch rockets into space and the energy for thrust is stored as chemical energy in the rocket’s fuel. Then, using the law of conservation of energy, students learn that the chemical energy of the fuel is converted into work and heat energy during a rocket launch.
Who invented the space shuttle?
| Space Shuttle | |
|---|---|
| Has use | Crewed orbital launch and reentry |
| Manufacturer | United Space Alliance Thiokol/Alliant Techsystems (SRBs) Lockheed Martin/Martin Marietta (ET) Boeing/Rockwell (orbiter) |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Project cost | US$211 billion (2012) |
What methods have been used in the past to generate electricity in space?
A radioisotope power system uses the temperature difference between the heat from the unstable atoms and the cold of space to produce electricity. NASA has used this type of system to power many missions. For example, it has powered missions to Saturn, Pluto and even spacecraft that have traveled to interstellar space.