zlacker

[parent] [thread] 1 comments
1. alangi+(OP)[view] [source] 2026-02-03 05:57:23
It seems straightforward to you because you're ignoring everything that makes this not work.

Here's a big one: you can't put radiators in shadow because the coolant would freeze. ISS has system dedicated to making sure the radiators get just enough sunlight at any given time.

replies(1): >>Doctor+77
2. Doctor+77[view] [source] 2026-02-03 07:02:25
>>alangi+(OP)
The ISS goes into Earth's shadow for ~45 minutes and then in the sun for 45 minutes, in 24/7 repeat;

this system would not be given such an orbit. Its trivial to decrease the cooling capacity of the radiators: just have an emissivity ~0 shade (say an aluminum foil) curtain obscure part of the radiator so that it locally sees itself instead of cold empty space. This would only happen during 2 short periods in the year.

The design issues of the ISS are totally different from this system.

[go to top]