During the Apollo missions, the primary type of air conditioners used to regulate the temperature inside the spacecraft were Environmental Control Systems (ECS). These systems were crucial for maintaining a habitable environment for the astronauts during their journey to and from the Moon.
The ECS on the Apollo spacecraft performed multiple functions, including:
Temperature Regulation: The system controlled the temperature within the spacecraft to ensure that it remained comfortable for the astronauts and within the operating range of the onboard equipment.
Humidity Control: The ECS managed the humidity levels to prevent condensation and maintain a suitable atmosphere for the crew.
Carbon Dioxide Removal: The system eliminated excess carbon dioxide exhaled by the astronauts to maintain breathable air.
Air Filtration: The ECS included filters to remove particulates and contaminants from the air.
The Apollo spacecraft used lithium hydroxide canisters to scrub carbon dioxide from the air. These canisters were changed periodically during the missions to ensure sufficient carbon dioxide removal.
As for transporting the air conditioning equipment into space, the ECS and other necessary systems were integrated into the spacecraft during the manufacturing and assembly process on Earth. The entire spacecraft, including the ECS, was then launched into space atop a Saturn V rocket. This powerful rocket was used to propel the spacecraft out of Earth's atmosphere and onto its trajectory to the Moon.
The ECS and other life support systems were critical components of the spacecraft, ensuring the safety and well-being of the astronauts during their missions to the Moon and back. The success of these systems played a significant role in the overall success of the Apollo program and the safe return of the astronauts to Earth.