Temperature System

How and why do we control heat on a spacecraft?

What is a heat source?

A heat source is anything that can heat up a spacecraft.

Heat sources can be external (from outside the spacecraft) or internal (from inside the spacecraft). External heat sources include:

Internal heat is often generated by the craft's propulsion or electrical systems. If a craft has parts that move against each other, friction can provide heating as well.


What could go wrong on DS1 if there's too much heat?
How is DS1's heat balance maintained?
What is heat?
How does heat move?

Why does heat make the electrical system less efficient?
What is a heat sink?
What is heat balance?
Will DS1 get heated directly by the Sun?
Why does the ship's orientation matter?
What are heat sources in DS1?

Where does energy come from and go?
Why does electrical current make heat?