What would happen inside a spacecraft with no power?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion explores the consequences of being trapped inside a spacecraft without power, specifically regarding the effects on temperature and life support systems. Participants consider scenarios in space, including the impact of insulation and proximity to a star.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that the spacecraft interior could get hotter due to body heat, depending on the insulation and external conditions.
  • Another participant argues that in deep space, heat loss would occur rapidly, potentially leading to death within a short time frame.
  • A further point is made regarding the extreme temperature differences that could occur if the spacecraft is near a star, with one side being very hot and the other extremely cold.
  • It is noted that the crew of Apollo 13 faced the risk of freezing as a significant danger alongside suffocation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the thermal dynamics of a powerless spacecraft, with no consensus on whether the interior would heat up or cool down under various conditions.

Contextual Notes

Assumptions regarding insulation effectiveness, proximity to stars, and the specifics of heat transfer in a vacuum remain unresolved.

David Laz
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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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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:
Interesting. Will check out the link, cheers.
 
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.
 

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