Invention And Use Of Propellant Depots

By David Roberts


The continuous amount of research is till being carried out in the movement of heavy machines into space with o risk of running out of gas. This has led to the development of propellant depots as a solution to this problem. These are large compartments that hold fuel for the space crafts present up there in space.

They are important because they act as fuel station for the rockets that go into space. Without these points in space, the rockets may not be able to travel for very long distances and would run out of fuel. These points have a compartment within where the rocket can attach itself to and get fuel from it.

The role of these points is to store gas and have a position in which the space crafts can come in and fill their tank. The tank also keeps the fuel at a constant temperature to prevent it from exploding because of its surrounding temperatures. They are also crucial in filling the space crafts and rockets which have zero gravity.

These tanks are filled with very high-temperature gas; it is because of this that the temperatures of this structure are kept very low. They are assembled with some special equipment that is responsible for keeping the heat at bay, for instance, an insulator made of many layers to prevent conduction of heat, a fridge that is powered by solar panels which reduces temperatures within the compartment and also facilitate the conversion of fuel gas to liquid. The last material incorporated is the sun shade that is placed to radiate away the heat that may come from the sun.

After extensive research, they have come up with models in which the scientists will choose one as a prototype. This design should have the three parts to ensure that the fuel is kept well and at constant temperatures. Gas should be kept in a cool environment to reduce any risks of an explosion occurring before being sent to outer space.

The location that they are going to be positioned within an orbit is also another factor that is considered as they are constructed. They have to be placed strategically where they can be easily accessed in case there is an emergency refueling from any rockets that are out of space. This is very crucial so that the tank can help anyone who is up in planet thus they will not be stuck up there.

These tanks are essential especially in the case where large space crafts are launched from earth to space. Since they hold fuel in space, it means that these crafts can be launched from earth empty and then filled up in planet by the equipment up there. This will also allow the space crafts that have previously been used to be reused since these tanks will be available to fill them up there.

If this project is successful scientists can be able to explore space and learn new things. There will also be more study of other bodies in space that supports life. It will also be helpful to those who wish to stay for a longer period place.




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