Service Module

The Russian phrase for ''service module'' for the Soyuz Spacecraft is sometimes more directly translated "Instrument-Assembly Compartment." This comes from the design feature of having the guidance and other computer systems in a separate pressure chamber (the instruments) from the rocket engines, their propellant tanks, and the life support tanks (from the German ''Aggregat'', which gets translated "assembly"). The Russians do not use the word "module" for their own spacecraft, though it is in the Russian language.

Service modules often contain:

Fuel Cell s or Batteries to provide power to the spacecraft. (Batteries are also in the part of the spacecraft that re-enters, to provide power during re-entry.)

Solar Cell arrays both to provide electric power directly and to recharge the batteries.

Liquid Oxygen ( LOX ) for fuel cells and breathing.

Liquid Hydrogen ( LH2 ) for fuel cells.

Helium or ''' Nitrogen ''' to force liquids to their destinations.

Guidance sensors

Guidance computer systems

Propulsion engine and fuel

Reaction Control System engines

Temperature-control system

Spacecraft with service modules include:

Soyuz Spacecraft (Soviet/Russian)

Gemini Spacecraft (American)

Apollo Spacecraft (American)

Shenzhou Spacecraft (Chinese)

Information About

Service Module