Temperatures on the Space Station

The International Space Station experiences big changes in temperature as it goes from sunlight to darkness twice every 90 minutes in outer space.

The thermal control system pumps fluids through the Station to keep the temperature stable for astronauts, experiments and equipment.

The internal water loop collects heat from the cabin air, experiments and equipment via cold plates and via an air conditioner similar to those used on Earth.

The heat collected inside the station transferred to an external loop via heat exchangers. The external fluid loop contains ammonia instead of water.