What would happen inside a spacecraft with no power?

In summary, the conversation discusses the potential effects of being trapped inside a spacecraft with no power for life support systems. It is mentioned that in space, the heat from human bodies would not transfer well to the vacuum, potentially leading to death within an hour or two. However, if close to a star, one side of the spacecraft could become extremely hot while the other side would be cold. The insulation of the craft and the presence of sunlight are also factors to consider. One participant brings up the recent failure of the ISS cooling system and the dangers it posed. The conversation ends with a mention of the Apollo 13 crew facing the risk of freezing to death.
  • #1
David Laz
28
0
Hey guys,

A friend and I were wondering what would happen if you were trapped inside a spacecraft with no power to run any life support systems such as heating/cooling. Assume there is plenty of usable air.

Would the spacecraft interior get hotter due to warmth generated by the human bodies because the heat does not transfer to the vacuum of space very well (via the craft walls)? Or would it get colder?

Would it matter how well insulated the craft is? I imagine whether the sun is shining on you would make a fair difference.

Thoughts?
Cheers
 
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  • #2
It depends where you are. Far out in space, you would lose heat fairly rapidly and die within an hour or two.
Close to a star (where we are), one side of your ship would be fiercely hot and the other colder than you could imagine. That's why the recent failure of the ISS cooling system (actually it's a heat re-distribution system) was so dangerous.

http://www.spaceref.com/news/viewsr.html?pid=9960"
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #3
Interesting. Will check out the link, cheers.
 
  • #4
Note that one of the more immediate dangers (along with suffocating) faced by the crew of Apollo 13 was the danger of freezing to death.
 
  • #5


Without any power to run the life support systems, the interior of the spacecraft would eventually become uninhabitable for humans. The temperature inside the spacecraft would depend on several factors, such as the insulation of the craft, the presence of sunlight, and the number of people inside.

If the spacecraft is well-insulated, the temperature inside would gradually decrease as the warmth generated by the human bodies is not able to transfer to the vacuum of space efficiently. However, if the spacecraft is poorly insulated, the temperature may increase due to the buildup of heat from the human bodies.

The presence of sunlight would also play a significant role in the temperature inside the spacecraft. If the spacecraft is exposed to direct sunlight, the temperature may increase significantly, making it uncomfortable and potentially dangerous for the occupants.

In the long term, without any power to run the life support systems, the air inside the spacecraft would also become stale and eventually run out, leading to a lack of oxygen and a buildup of carbon dioxide. This could result in suffocation and ultimately death for the occupants.

In summary, being trapped inside a spacecraft with no power would be a dire situation, and it is crucial to have backup power systems or a way to recharge the primary power source in case of emergencies.
 

What would happen to the temperature inside a spacecraft with no power?

Without any power to regulate the temperature, the inside of the spacecraft would eventually reach the same temperature as the outside environment. This could be extremely hot or cold depending on the location of the spacecraft in space.

How would astronauts survive without power in a spacecraft?

Astronauts would not be able to survive for very long without power in a spacecraft. They would quickly run out of food, water, and oxygen without the power to sustain life support systems. They would need to be rescued or find a way to restore power to the spacecraft.

What would happen to the communication systems without power in a spacecraft?

Communication systems in a spacecraft require power to function. Without power, communication with ground control and other spacecraft would be impossible. This would make it difficult for the astronauts to receive help or instructions.

Could a spacecraft with no power be navigated?

No, a spacecraft cannot be navigated without power. Navigation systems require power to operate and without them, the spacecraft would be adrift in space. It would not be able to change course or reach its intended destination.

Would the lights inside a spacecraft still work without power?

No, the lights inside a spacecraft would not work without power. They rely on electricity to function and without it, the spacecraft would be in complete darkness. This would make it difficult for the astronauts to see and perform tasks inside the spacecraft.

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