There are many different types of power supplies for spacecraft. By far the most common is solar power (a solar array with a battery array). Solar power looses efficiency quickly the farther from the sun a spacecraft goes. Most deep space spacecraft use a thermo-nuclear battery. These batteries can last for decades. The voyager spacecrafts, launched in the 1970's, batteries will last until the mid 2020's!
The astronaut is connected to the spacecraft by a tether or umbilical cord. This ensures they remain secured to the spacecraft while performing spacewalks or other external activities. The tether also provides communication, power, and life support systems to the astronaut.
They supply power to the spacecraft during missions.
All U.S. spacecraft since Apollo have provided living space and working space.
While in earths atmosphere, chemical rocketry provides the propulsion. Once the space craft is aloft and free from earth's gravity, it course and trajectory is powered by chemical reaction directed through nozzles. The internal power is provided by "fuel cell's" which is a different type of chemical reaction that provides a steady flow of electrical power for use in life support ,communications, computers, etc.
The spacecraft used a combination of liquid oxygen and rocket-grade kerosene as fuel for propulsion. This fuel combination provides the energy needed to propel the spacecraft into space and carry out its mission efficiently.
A fuel cell is an electrochemical device that converts chemical energy into electrical energy. It is important for spacecraft because it provides a reliable and efficient power source for long-duration missions in space. Fuel cells can generate electricity using hydrogen and oxygen as fuel, producing water as a byproduct, which is crucial for life support systems on spacecraft.
They supply power to the spacecraft during missions.
"Spacecraft electrical power is supplied by Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators (RTGs) that provided approximately 470 w of 30 volt DC power at launch. Due to the natural radioactive decay of the Plutonium fuel source, the electrical energy provided by the RTGs is continually declining." (From the http://voyager.jpl.nasa.gov/spacecraft/spacecraftlife.html page)
A fuel cell is a device that converts the chemical energy from a fuel into electricity through a chemical reaction. It is useful in spacecraft because it provides a reliable and efficient way to generate power in space without the need for combustion. Fuel cells have high energy density, are lightweight, and produce clean electricity, making them ideal for use in space where reliability and efficiency are crucial.
Computers
A fuel cell is important to a spacecraft because it provides a reliable and efficient source of electrical power by converting chemical energy directly into electricity without combustion. This is crucial for powering critical systems, such as life support and communication, in space missions where traditional power sources like solar panels may not be as effective. Additionally, fuel cells generate water as a byproduct, which can be used for various applications in space.
Solar-powered spacecraft operate using solar panels to convert sunlight into electrical energy, which can then power the spacecraft's systems. Solar power is a renewable energy source that will not run out as long as the sun continues to shine.