Keeping it warm inside is no easy feat
The station exterior endures rapid temperature shifts as it orbits Earth, moving from sunlight to darkness every 45 minutes. Inside, heat does not rise or circulate as it does under Earth’s gravity. Therefore, the ISS relies on a sophisticated thermal control system to manage these temperature variations and ensure a stable environment. Its complex thermal control system stabilizes these extremes, using an internal water loop to absorb heat from the cabin, experiments, and equipment. This heat is then transferred to an external ammonia-filled loop via heat exchangers. Inside the ISS, temperatures are maintained between 64 to 73 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 23 degrees Celsius), ensuring a (reasonably) comfortable environment for astronauts and the safety of onboard equipment.
