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Two reasons:

  1. Weight. Batteries are heavier per energy unit than fuel cells.
  2. Capacity. Fuel cells can store much more energy than batteries.

As a bonus, the weight for the fuel cell fuel reduces the weight of another required consumable: water. The "exhaust" of fuel cells is pure water which astronauts can drink.

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Why is liquid oxygen used in space shuttle engines?

Liquid Nitrogen is used in a Space Shuttle to cool down the Space Shuttle Main Engine's (SSME) Main Combustion Chamber (MCC) because the temperatures experienced during lift exceed 3,315 degrees Celcius or 6,000 degrees Fahrenheit. If Liquid Nitrogen was not used the SSME would warp in shape and melt.


How are sensors used to detect toxic chemicals in the space shuttle would be beneficial to a factory worke?

Sensors in the space shuttle can be repurposed for a factory worker by providing real-time detection of toxic chemicals in their work environment, enabling them to take immediate action to mitigate risks. This technology can help prevent exposure to harmful substances, safeguarding the health and well-being of the worker and ensuring a safer work environment.


Why used Unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine nitrogen tetroxide in space shuttle?

Unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine (UDMH) and nitrogen tetroxide are used as rocket propellants in spacecraft like the space shuttle because they are hypergolic, meaning they ignite upon contact without needing an external ignition source. They are also storable for long periods without significant degradation, making them reliable choices for space missions. Additionally, these propellants have a high specific impulse, which is important for achieving the velocity needed to escape Earth's gravity.


Why is liquid oxygen used in space shuttles?

Liquid oxygen is used in space shuttles as an oxidizer for the spacecraft's fuel, typically liquid hydrogen. When mixed and ignited, liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen create a powerful and efficient chemical reaction that generates the necessary thrust for the shuttle to break free of Earth's gravity and enter space. It is a highly efficient and reliable propellant choice for space missions.


Why is hydrogen important to society?

Hydrogen by itself is used sparingly in our 'society'. It was used during world war I to fly zeppelins. It also finds its use in nickel/Hydrogen batteries, which are the most powerful batteries known to man used on space exploration and the hubble space telescope. It also, of course, is required to form water (H2O)

Related Questions

Why can't we use dry cells or automobile batteries instead of solar batteries for satellites?

Dry cells and automobile batteries require a medium in order to transmit and receive the signals from outer space.


Does a space shuttle have a battery?

Yes, a space shuttle has batteries onboard to provide power when it is not in direct sunlight or when solar panels are not providing power. These batteries are rechargeable and are used to power various systems on the shuttle.


What type of satellite provides power for shuttle missions?

Satellites don't provide power for space shuttles. The shuttle could receive power from the international space station, but besides that, the shuttle wouldn't take any power from any satellites.


Are there solar panels on the space shuttle?

The space shuttle does not use solar panels . Instead it uses Fuel cells that mix hydrogen and oxygen to create electricity, heat and water. the shuttle could also use Auxiliary Power Units or APU to generate hydraulic power for the aerodynamic control surfaces (elevons, body flap, rudder...)


Why is nasa moving back to space rocket instead of space shuttle?

It is cheaper and more efficient.


Does a shuttle launch create energy?

A shuttle launch does not create energy. Instead, it expends stored energy from its fuel sources to propel the shuttle into space.


Horse power is in a space shuttle?

Horsepower is not used in space shuttles. Instead, the thrust produced by the engines is measured in Newtons or pounds-force. This thrust is essential for propelling the shuttle into space and overcoming Earth's gravity.


What was the last space shuttle ever built?

Space Shuttle Endeavour was the final Space Shuttle built. It was built to replace Space Shuttle Challenger.


The first space shuttle?

The first space shuttle developed by NASA was the Space Shuttle Enterprise, which never flew in space and was used for atmospheric flight tests. The first space shuttle to reach space was the Space Shuttle Columbia, which launched on April 12, 1981.


What is the name of the american space shuttle that goes into orbit?

There were 5. Space Shuttle Columbia (destroyed in 2003), Space Shuttle Challenger (destroyed in 1886), Space Shuttle Discovery, Space Shuttle Atlantis, and Space Shuttle Endeavour.


What was the name of the space shuttle in The Challenger disaster?

The name of the space shuttle was Challenger.


Why the space shuttle had to do with space?

The space shuttle went into space and studied outer space.