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Sun Spots, v. 2, issue 3, June 14, 1940

Page 6

June 14 1940 SUN SPOTS Price 5¢

ON SPACE TRAVEL.

by HOWARD GAETZ.

Among the followers of Scientific fiction there is today a reasonably accurate knowledge of some of the problems confronted in accomplishing  space travel. Not too apparent, however, is the extent to which recorded scientific knowledge can supply the answers to these problems.

Space travel problems fall in two main classes; mechanical or those which have to do with the machine design, method of propulsion (which in this instance is obviously rocket fuel), and control mechanisms; and vital, or those which have to do with the provision of liveable conditions throughout the voyage.

These problems are to a degree related. For instance, the machine must be so designed as to permit maintenance of an atmosphere whose prime requisits are approximately 20% oxygen content, approximately 14.7 lbs. per sq. in. pressure, and approximately 70 degrees Fahrenhite temperature. These requirements involve the load which must be carried, for the gases to produce this atmosphere must be carried in either compressed elemental form or in the form of raw materials from which they can be produced.

Any one or group of these problems could fill a lengthy thesis: Let us make our point by the consideration of one only, that of maintaining a temperature suitable for human life as we know it.

It has been stated that the temperature in space is absolute zero. Fundamentally, this statement has no meaning, since to the best of our knowledge space is the absence of molecular matter. Heat is something only molecular matter can possess by reason of its molecular movement. What then is the temperature likely to be, of a physical mass projected into space? It cannot lose what heat it has by either convection or conduction, since these processes require adjacent molecular matter. It can only lose its heat by radiation. This is the manner only, in which a space ship can lose its heat, or temperature, unless heat is being expended in propulsion or changing of direction of motion. The heat balance involved in this factor depends upon the nature of the fuel, and while our present conceptions of rocket fuel would lead us to expect a source of heat in its combustion, there is likely to be a constant loss of heat content of the fuel in space travel.

Thus we have depletion of heat by radiation and by expenditure of fuel. To offset these are heat inputs from absorption of solar radiations, and body chemistry.

Radiation of heat by a body, and absorption of radiated heat by a body have been closely studied. These phenomena are known to be dependent largely on color and surface finish. Thus, by having a dull black exterior, solar radiations 

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Page 6.

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June 14 1940 SUN SPOTS Price 5¢ ON SPACE TRAVEL. by HOWARD GAETZ. Among the followers of Scientific fiction there is today a reasonably accurate knowledge of some of the problems confronted in accomplishing space travel. Not too apparent, however, is the extent to which recorded scientific knowledge can supply the answers to these problems. Space travel problems fall in two main classes; mechanical or those which have to do with the machine design, method of propulsion (which in this instance is obviously rocket fuel), and control mechanisms; and vital, or those which have to do with the provision of liveable conditions throughout the voyage. These problems are to a degree related. For instance, the machine must be so designed as to permit maintenance of an atmosphere whose prime requisits are approximately 20% oxygen content, approximately 14.7 lbs. per sq. in. pressure, and approximately 70 degrees Fahrenhite temperature. These requirements involve the load which must be carried, for the gases to produce this atmosphere must be carried in either compressed elemental form or in the form of raw materials from which they can be produced. Any one or group of these problems could fill a lengthy thesis: Let us make our point by the consideration of one only, that of maintaining a temperature suitable for human life as we know it. It has been stated that the temperature in space is absolute zero. Fundamentally, this statement has no meaning, since to the best of our knowledge space is the absence of molecular matter. Heat is something only molecular matter can possess by reason of its molecular movement. What then is the temperature likely to be, of a physical mass projected into space? It cannot lose what heat it has by either convection or conduction, since these processes require adjacent molecular matter. It can only lose its heat by radiation. This is the manner only, in which a space ship can lose its heat, or temperature, unless heat is being expended in propulsion or changing of direction of motion. The heat balance involved in this factor depends upon the nature of the fuel, and while our present conceptions of rocket fuel would lead us to expect a source of heat in its combustion, there is likely to be a constant loss of heat content of the fuel in space travel. Thus we have depletion of heat by radiation and by expenditure of fuel. To offset these are heat inputs from absorption of solar radiations, and body chemistry. Radiation of heat by a body, and absorption of radiated heat by a body have been closely studied. These phenomena are known to be dependent largely on color and surface finish. Thus, by having a dull black exterior, solar radiations (Continued page following) Page 6.