> - Temperatures on the Lunar surface range from a high of about 400 kelvins > (130 C) to a low of about 100 kelvins (-170 C). > IF the module survives impact the biggest challenge is liable to be > surviving the lunar nights. > Previous lunar equipment has often failed to last more than 1 or 2 nights > (each night is around 2 weeks long). > Problems include both the absolute temperatures and thermal cycling. Why not sustain a survivable internal temperature with chemical exothermic reactions. The internal environment could be heavily insulated and some body of fluid surround (either directly or in some sort of bag) the electronics. The walls could be lined with sealed tubes of a reacting fluid compound. At determined intervals (measured temp vs time etc) a fuse could be burned that cut the end of the bag, one wall of the bag could be Kynar (Piezo Co-Polymer)plastic that will bend when energized (very low power) this will eject the fluid into the main body of reacting fluid, a chemical process will take place and the internal temp is monitored until another "dose" is needed. I have no idea what would be suitable chemicals but I am sure there are plenty. The other unopened bags could even act as a stirring source since their respective piezo linings could act together in a synergesis of stirring. I have experimented with Kynar... it will do this. A PIC controlling it of course. Maybe I have gone mad? Ohh look that mans gone mad! _____________________________ Lance Allen Technical Officer Uni of Auckland Psych Dept New Zealand _____________________________