38. How much power does a Space Shuttle use and what is the rest used for? (A K2S Question)

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Nearly everything on the orbiter runs on electricity. This electricity is generated in three fuel cells that run on hydrogen and oxygen. The output of the fuel cells is about 21,000 watts continuously, with a peak output of 36,000 watts. This compares to a typical home that might use a maximum of 23,000 watts. Besides electricity, the fuel cells produce potable, or drinkable, water. (Ref. 1)

Ref 1.NASA, National Space Transportation System Reference, Volume 1 Systems and Facilities, June 1988. This document is available on the Internet at: http://science.ksc.nasa.gov/shuttle/technology/sts-newsref/stsreftoc.html#sts-umbilical-doors


Answer provided by Jon H. Brown


Image:K2S logosmall.jpg Question and Answer extracted from the book Kids to Space - by Lonnie Schorer


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