page_title: Electrical system of the International Space Station
hierarchical_section_title: Electrical system of the International Space Station
caption_attribution_description: English: This image, taken during the fifth and final space walk of the STS-127 mission, is of one of the International Space Station's solar panels intersecting Earth's horizon.While astronauts Tom Marshburn and Christopher Cassidy (both out of frame), made their spacewalk on July 24, the two mission specialists and the crews of STS-127 and the International Space Station's Expedition 20, were able to enjoy scenes such as this one of one of the orbital outpost's solar panels intersecting Earth's horizon. Eleven astronauts and cosmonauts remained inside the International Space Station and the shuttle to which it was docked, while the two suited astronauts continued work on the orbital outpost.
context_page_description: The electrical system of the International Space Station is a critical resource for the International Space Station because it allows the crew to live comfortably, to safely operate the station, and to perform scientific experiments. The ISS electrical system uses solar cells to directly convert sunlight to electricity. Large numbers of cells are assembled in arrays to produce high power levels. This method of harnessing solar power is called photovoltaics.
  The process of collecting sunlight, converting it to electricity, and managing and distributing this electricity builds up excess heat that can damage spacecraft equipment. This heat must be eliminated for reliable operation of the space station in orbit. The ISS power system uses radiators to dissipate the heat away from the spacecraft. The radiators are shaded from sunlight and aligned toward the cold void of deep space.
context_section_description: The electrical system of the International Space Station is a critical resource for the International Space Station (ISS) because it allows the crew to live comfortably, to safely operate the station, and to perform scientific experiments. The ISS electrical system uses solar cells to directly convert sunlight to electricity. Large numbers of cells are assembled in arrays to produce high power levels. This method of harnessing solar power is called photovoltaics.
  The process of collecting sunlight, converting it to electricity, and managing and distributing this electricity builds up excess heat that can damage spacecraft equipment. This heat must be eliminated for reliable operation of the space station in orbit. The ISS power system uses radiators to dissipate the heat away from the spacecraft. The radiators are shaded from sunlight and aligned toward the cold void of deep space.
caption: An ISS solar panel intersecting Earth's horizon.
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