Xenon storage

[Brian Robson]

There are some fairly large Xenon storage tanks on the ISS, which pose some
risk in the event of a hypervelocity impact scenario.
My question is, what is the application of this gas in the running of the
ISS ?

[Paul F. Dietz]

At one point the solar dynamic power system was to use
helium-xenon gas as the working fluid, but that got shelved
a while ago. Are these tanks from the current design?

Paul

[cyclone96]

The xenon is used by the Plasma Contacter Units. I don't know
exactly how it works, but essentially the PCUs generate plasma
from the xenon gas and emit a stream of electrons into space to
ground the vehicle.

Mike

In article <8adhbj$d66$1...@lure.pipex.net>, "Brian Robson"

<Brian....@ukgateway.net> wrote:
>There are some fairly large Xenon storage tanks on the ISS,
which pose some
>risk in the event of a hypervelocity impact scenario.
>My question is, what is the application of this gas in the
running of the
>ISS ?

* Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet's Discussion Network *
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[ne...@pacbell.net]

The purpose is to release static buildup into space. Because the
station is not in total space atmosphere, ie. atomic oxygen is
present, static buildup is still a problem. To facilitate grounding,
good contact of station components is required.

The tanks are not that large, and are located within the Plasma
Contactor Unit on Z1. They must be refilled every three years.

On Sat, 11 Mar 2000 13:19:22 -0000, "Brian Robson"