Scientists find a way to protect crews in extraterrestrial bases from space weather 22:05

Spanish scientists from the Polytechnic University of Madrid have proposed the use of phase change materials (PMC) for passive thermal insulation of extraterrestrial bases. The study was published in the scientific journal magazine Thermo.

The space environment is characterized by rapid temperature changes of large amplitudes. For example, on the Moon, temperatures can range from 121°C to -133°C during the day.
Stabilizing temperatures within a habitat under these conditions would require heating and cooling on a scale not yet realized on Earth.

Phase change materials have been known for some time and are used in a variety of industries, including batteries, solar power plants, heat pumps and spacecraft.

Such compounds absorb heat during hot periods and release heat during cold periods.

Researchers have investigated the possibility of using a material called n-octadecane, which switches from heat-absorbing mode to heat-radiating mode when the ambient temperature drops to 28°C.

Scientists modeled what would happen if a space habitat was built using PCM inside the walls and found a significant reduction in the heating and cooling required to keep the habitat within a comfortable temperature range for humans.

Other factors, such as the reflectivity of the wall’s exterior surface and the portion of the solar cycle experienced by the sun, were also included in the calculation.

The authors found that under optimum conditions, it is possible to passively heat and cool space habitats using only PCM capabilities.

It is not clear how feasible it would be to incorporate PCM into cave walls or other structures using local materials. The researchers also noted that the large amount of phase-change materials needed to thermally control mass human settlement would also be prohibitively expensive at current prices.

Russian scientists previously offered wrap pipelines with aerogel blankets.