The Importance of Gold in Space Travel

"The Importance of Gold in Space Travel"," Its 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. It does not corrode or break down as many other metals do. Gold is a Stable Lubricant Moving parts in machines need lubricants to reduce friction in many environments on a spacecraft. Due to the physical characteristics, 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. In fact, it is the material of choice for all applications where solar reflectivity is highly desirable. Gold is Able to Reflect Visible Light In addition to being able to reflect heat (infrared light), gold is able to reflect the visible light spectrum. Gold is the Most Malleable and Ductile of All Metals Ductility and malleability of gold, the ability to be drawn into thin wires without snapping and to be pounded into thin sheets without breaking allows engineers of space equipment to mould gold to almost any shape necessary, and make it thin enough to keep the weight of the equipment low. A small connecting pathway on a circuit can get burnt if made with ordinary metals, but it is gold that gives it the ability to withstand heat and provide the electric current optimum flow paths. . WHAT'S UP