Space Station Alpha

Power Team

Mission Day Instructions

Overview
Every 90 minutes the space station orbits the earth, passing into and out of the sun’s direct light. The solar arrays and batteries work together to provide constant power to life support equipment and invaluable scientific experiments. The PV arrays convert solar energy into electricity for about 60 minutes of every orbit. They also recharge the nickel-hydrogen batteries. While in the earth's shadow for the remaining 30 minutes of the orbit, the batteries use about 35% of their available power. Any interruption in the charging process could leave the station without enough electricity during this "eclipse" period. The Power Systems Calculator allows the Power Team to monitor and experiment with the distribution of electricity throughout the space station.

As a member of the Power Team, you will be responsible for monitoring the power of the space station, determine the power load on the systems, and make recommendations to Mission Control. Battery power levels necessary for life support should not fall below 50% capacity while the station is in the earth's shadow.

Your Task
• Practice analyzing data, making calculations, graphing, and developing recommendations.
• Monitor all power fluctuations, report the effects that they may have on station operations, and recommend adjustments to avoid a dangerous situation
• Review the information you studied during specialist training. Study your notes on electricity, battery power, solar cells, and PV arrays.
• Familiarize yourself with the station’s power systems, the Power System Calculator, and the way in which power is allocated on the space station.

To do its job effectively, the Power Team should be able to:
1. Identify the primary and secondary source of power on the station.
2. Calculate the percentage of the power designated for the environmental control & life support systems, the thermal control system, communication & tracking, and the electrical power system.
3. Relate the production of electrical energy to the orbit of the space station.