Quote:
Originally Posted by Astronot
The CSM was covered in a mirrored insulation that was designed to reflect solar heat with layers of thermal insulation underneath that. The remaining A13 CSM heat sources simply did not produce sufficient heat to replace the heat lost to to space by radiance. So the capsule interior cooled.
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This answer highlights why "Apollo details or specifics" are indeed important to answer questions of "elementary physics" when it's applied to real world engineering. We're not talking about theoretical black bodies as is so often used in discussions of thermodynamics. Unlike the CM, your average car wasn't designed to reflect solar energy as a means of heat management. That's why some enterprising companies sell shiny silver panels to put in your car windshield.