The ISS resource Node 3 consists of a pressurized module, which provides passageway among habitable elements, distributes electrical energy and commands, collects and distributes thermal energy by rejecting waste heat to ISS radiators.
This paper presents an overview of the Node 3 passive and active thermal control design and reports the most significant analysis results to evidence how the thermal and hydraulic requirements are satisfied. The Node 3 is being designed by Alenia Aerospazio following the know-how experienced on the Node 2, COF, MPLM and Cupolas Projects developed in the frame of a collaboration with ASI, NASA and ESA. Fig.1 shows a schematic representation of the ISS docked modules space configuration.
The Node 3 TCS has two main sections, the PTCS and the ATCS.
The Node 3 PTCS provides adequate barrier to the space external environment by making use of MLI blankets and electrical heaters
The Node 3 ATCS consists of two water loops that supply coolant mass flow, at required controlled temperature, to the attached modules: the MPLM, the ISS Node 1, the ISS HAB and Cupola. It also provides cooling to the avionics cold plates, to cabin air and to some ECLSS racks.