Kalpana One design (was Rotating space colonies)

http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2001/ast21mar_1/

Reading the above article, "Windows are a tremendous heat leak", also it states that "MLI insulation does a double-duty job: keeping solar radiation out, and keeping the bitter cold of space from penetrating the Station's metal skin."

And then it goes onto the issue of heat exchangers and radiators. But if we were to design the station to use the windows for its heat loss and use different insulation so that we protect from radiation but reduce the 'thermos' effect we may reduce our need for external radiators. What am I missing here? I understand if the effect is small, then it would have a small effect. But right now they are saying the window is a tremendous heat leak, that's a strong statement. And the insulation is designed 'for' keeping heat in, but if use the windows and less effective insulation it would seem a win win.

Brooks

--- In spacesettlers@yahoogroups.com, "csmyth3025" wrote: