zlacker

[parent] [thread] 3 comments
1. phs318+(OP)[view] [source] 2026-02-04 06:24:34
Because 10K satellites have a FAR greater combined surface area than a single space-borne DC would. Stefan-Boltzman law: ability to radiate heat increase to the 4th power of surface area.
replies(1): >>thebol+X7
2. thebol+X7[view] [source] 2026-02-04 07:38:31
>>phs318+(OP)
It's linear to surface area, but 4th power to temperature.
replies(2): >>dguest+JM >>phs318+ZM
◧◩
3. dguest+JM[view] [source] [discussion] 2026-02-04 12:48:21
>>thebol+X7
Also worth noting that if computing power scales with volume then surface area (and thus radiation) scales like p^2/3. In other words, for a fixed geometry, the required heat dissipation per unit area goes like p^1/3. This is why smaller things can just dissipate heat from their surface, whereas larger things require active cooling.

I'm not a space engineer but I'd imagine that smaller satellites can make due with a lot of passive cooling on the exterior of the housing, whereas a shopping-mall sized computer in space would will require a lot of extra plumbing.

◧◩
4. phs318+ZM[view] [source] [discussion] 2026-02-04 12:49:57
>>thebol+X7
Thanks for the correction. Last time I looked at it was in 2nd year Thermodynamics in 1985.
[go to top]