What fuel is used to power a space shuttle?

liquid hydrogen
The main engines burn liquid hydrogen — the second coldest liquid on Earth at minus 423 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 252.8 degrees Celsius) — and liquid oxygen. The engines’ exhaust is primarily water vapor as the hydrogen and oxygen combine.

How are fuel cells used to help astronauts?

The Apollo Command Module’s primary source of electric power was from a set of three “fuel cells” housed in the Service Module. Each fuel cell combines hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity and water. The water was used for drinking by the astronaut crew.

What are the benefits of vehicles using fuel cells?

The benefits of fuel cells are:

• Reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
• High Reliability.
• Flexibility in installation and operation.
• Development of renewable energy resources.
• Reduced demand for foreign oil.
• Improved environmental quality.

Why do space shuttles carry liquid hydrogen instead of hydrogen gas?

Liquid hydrogen fuel has many benefits, including its low molecular weight and high energy output when burned together with liquid oxygen. Hydrogen also provides low-density liquid fuel for navigation thrusters in orbit. The main engine of the space shuttle used liquid hydrogen fuel.

Why does a space shuttle need a oxygen tank?

The middle cylinder of the oxygen tank, and the propellant lines, could withstand the expected depths of frost accumulation condensed from humidity, but the orbiter could not take the damage from ice breaking free. The thermal protection system weighs 4,823 lb (2,188 kg).

Why this fuel cell is used in Apollo space Programme?

H2-O2 Fuel cell was used for providing electrical power in Apollo space programme.

Why did Apollo use fuel cells?

The fuel cell was an ideal source of on-board electrical power with the additional advantage that the exhaust water could be used both for drinking by the crew and humidification of the capsule’s atmosphere.

Why fuel cells are more efficient than batteries?

Fuel cell electric vehicles have a much higher energy density by weight, allowing them to overcome the range and weight challenges associated with battery electric vehicles. Hydrogen tanks are also more compact and lighter than an array of fully charged batteries.

Will fuel cells replace electric cars?

Because hydrogen doesn’t occur naturally, it has to be extracted, then compressed in fuel tanks. It then has to mix with oxygen in a fuel cell stack to create electricity to power the car’s motors. That’s true to an extent, but hydrogen-powered cars are not expected to replace EVs.

What do rocket ships use for fuel?

The petroleum used as rocket fuel is a type of highly refined kerosene, called RP-1 in the United States. Petroleum fuels are usually used in combination with liquid oxygen as the oxidizer.

What happens to the shuttle main fuel tank?

During launch, tank and boosters are jettisoned and fall back to Earth after a shuttle’s initial push to the sky. Unlike the boosters, however, the external tank is not collected and reused. Instead, the tanks are discarded to burn up in Earth’s atmosphere.

What is NASA doing to improve fuel cell technology?

NASA is also pursuing a variety of alternative power sources for aerospace vehicles. One of those alternatives is fuel cells. To achieve improved performance, NASA is building on decades of success with Gemini, Apollo and the space shuttle — alkaline fuel cell power system development and operations.

Can we use fuel cells to power space travel?

Much work must still be done before improved fuel cells can be used in spacecraft, which operate at extreme altitudes and low temperatures for extended durations. This technology will enable new space exploration missions as well as fuel savings, quiet operation, and reduced emissions for aircraft.

How does a fuel cell power plant work?

Each fuel cell power plant consists of a power section, where the chemical reaction occurs, and a compact accessory section attached to the power section, which controls and monitors the power section’s performance. This is one of the three fuel cells that make up the generating system that provides electrical power to the space shuttle orbiter.

Why does NASA still use hydrogen gas as rocket fuel?

Credit: NASA For decades, NASA has relied upon hydrogen gas as rocket fuel to deliver crew and cargo to space.