Passive Systems


Passive systems refer to the use of natural phenomena or materials to achieve a desired function in space and astronautical engineering without the need for active control or external power. These systems rely on the inherent properties of materials or the environment to perform their intended function. Examples of passive systems include thermal control coatings that reflect or absorb heat, deployable structures that use stored energy to unfold, and aerodynamic shapes that use natural airflow to stabilize a spacecraft. Passive systems are often preferred over active systems because they are simpler, more reliable, and require less maintenance. However, they may have limitations in terms of performance and adaptability to changing conditions.


Your Previous Searches
Random Picks

  • Virgin Galactic: Virgin Galactic is a private spaceflight company that aims to provide suborbital spaceflights to tourists and scientific researchers. The company was founded in 2004 by Sir Richard Branson and is headquartered in New Mexico, USA. Virgin Gal ... Read More >>
  • Protective Coatings: Protective coatings are materials applied to spacecraft surfaces to protect them from the harsh space environment. These coatings can provide thermal control, radiation shielding, and protection from micrometeoroids and debris. Thermal cont ... Read More >>
  • Conduction: In space and astronautical engineering, conduction refers to the transfer of heat between two objects that are in direct contact with each other. This transfer occurs due to the temperature difference between the two objects, with heat flow ... Read More >>
Top News

Check out this interactive map of the early universe, considered largest ever cr...

A team of astronomers have put together the largest, most detailed map of the universe ever created – and you can explore it now....

News Source: USA Today on 2025-06-12

The Vera C. Rubin Observatory is about to totally transform astronomy...

With the ability to scan the entire southern night sky every three days, the huge Vera C. Rubin Observatory could be about to start solving the mysteries of the universe, from dark matter to Planet Ni...

News Source: New Scientist on 2025-06-12

Trump's proposed science cuts will have huge consequences...

The universe will still be there to marvel at, despite brutal cuts set to hit NASA and the National Science Foundation's budgets. But the damage to future research will be long-lasting, says Chanda Pr...

News Source: New Scientist on 2025-06-11

Starlink satellites are leaking radio signals that may ruin astronomy...

Our ability to study faint radio signals from when the first stars began to form is being threatened by SpaceX's Starlink satellites, which seem to be unintentionally leaking radio signals that overpo...

News Source: New Scientist on 2025-06-09

Asteroids around Venus pose possible 'invisible threat' to Earth: Should you be ...

A swarm of large asteroids likely lurking around Venus could one day pose an "invisible threat" to Earth if left unchecked, astronomers have warned....

News Source: USA Today on 2025-06-06