Submitted by Creepy_Toe2680 t3_10ozjk9 in space
-Prophet_01- t1_j6lliz1 wrote
Reply to comment by Worldofbirdman in NASA tested new propulsion tech that could unlock new deep space travel possibilities by Creepy_Toe2680
Heat exchange in vacuum largely works with a different principle and is much, much less efficient. Without other molecules to transfer heat to, we're left with black body radiation. Lower efficiency means bigger radiators. It's basically trying to cool down by giving off infrared light.
Something that could be done with a small coolant loop through a river or a glorified AC on earth, requires large sail-like structures in space (sails because it maximizes the surface to throw out that thermal radiation).
Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments