I read a short story about star ship combat that paralleled submarine combat today but instead of sound, it was about suppressing EM radiation. What I am curious about is this: Is there any conceivable way, using modern technology (or technology likely in the near future) to completely suppress the IR signature of a craft in space?
just a note.. Heat will be being produced by whatever powers the vessel (even when drifting without propulsion), Any equipment operating inside it such as scanners and life support, as well as the heat generated by the crew. The Heat has to go somewhere. Blankets and such might stop the signature, but you'll trap the heat, and cook the crew. Refrigeration coils transfer heat, but still, it has to go somewhere..
I wonder, how effective would a really long but very thin ie millimeters, "radiator" be if towed behind the craft in some manner? Or some sort of "chill pod" that uses an endothermic chemical reaction to suck in heat for a period of time?
and the problem with keeping the hot side away from the enemy is they are out there floating around dark, cold, and silent too..just like subs in deep ocean
Or, is this all futile, and no matter what, some idiot can point an IR camera at you, and see you easily?
just a note.. Heat will be being produced by whatever powers the vessel (even when drifting without propulsion), Any equipment operating inside it such as scanners and life support, as well as the heat generated by the crew. The Heat has to go somewhere. Blankets and such might stop the signature, but you'll trap the heat, and cook the crew. Refrigeration coils transfer heat, but still, it has to go somewhere..
I wonder, how effective would a really long but very thin ie millimeters, "radiator" be if towed behind the craft in some manner? Or some sort of "chill pod" that uses an endothermic chemical reaction to suck in heat for a period of time?
and the problem with keeping the hot side away from the enemy is they are out there floating around dark, cold, and silent too..just like subs in deep ocean
Or, is this all futile, and no matter what, some idiot can point an IR camera at you, and see you easily?