Why Is Gold Used for Space Equipment?
Gold is a precious metal not only because it is rare and beautiful, but because it is extremely useful for a wide range of applications. Gold's reflectivity, malleability, ductility, and ability to resist corrosion are all qualities that are so helpful to the space program that modern-day space exploration would be impossible without this unique element.
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Gold Is Resistant to Corrosion
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Gold is one of the most unreactive metals. It will not corrode, or break down, as so many other metals will. Because space is a harsh environment in which any problem can result in disaster, objects made of gold or covered in gold are protected from corrosion and, therefore, have a much better chance of working as they are supposed to.
Gold Is a Stable Lubricant
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Lubricants are needed to reduce friction in many environments on a spacecraft. In the harsh conditions of space, most lubricants that are used on Earth would be broken down by intense radiation. Gold molecules are able to easily slip past each other in high-friction environments, and because they are unaffected by radiation, gold is often the lubricant of choice on a spacecraft.
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Gold Is Able to Reflect Heat
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Just as many modern buildings use a thin film of gold in their windows to protect interiors from becoming overheated, the ability of gold to reflect heat helps to keep the damaging heat from engines, thrusters, or the Sun from causing harm to astronauts or the equipment used on a spacecraft.
Gold Is Able to Reflect Visible Light
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In addition to being able to reflect heat (infrared light), gold is able to reflect visible light. The face shields on astronauts' helmets contain a thin layer of gold that helps to reduce glare and protect astronauts' eyes from harmful radiation.
Gold Is the Most Malleable and Ductile of All Metals
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Gold's malleability (the ability to be pounded into thin sheets without breaking) and ductility (the ability to be drawn into thin wires without snapping) allows the engineers of space equipment to mold gold to almost any shape necessary and make it thin enough to keep the weight of the equipment to a minimum.
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