Usage of Gold in Aerospace

Given that billions of dollars are spent on space vehicles that are launched and since the opportunity of lubrication, maintenance and repair is nonexistent, building these space vehicles with dependable and trustworthy materials is an absolute must and this is the reason why gold is specifically utilized in all of the space vehicles that are made. Gold is utilized in the circuitry since it is a trustworthy connector and conductor and some of the most important parts of the space vehicles are made with gold plated polyester films since it is able to reflect infrared radiation and assists in stabilizing the temperature of the space vehicle. Besides this, gold is also utilized as a lubricant between certain parts. Remember that in space organic lubricants would simply volatilize and would break down due to the great amount of radiation that exists in that atmosphere. In the same way as with graphite, gold can be cut into fine films which can be placed between important moving parts and this is how it is utilized as a lubricant. The visor on the helmet of an astronaut's space suit is coated with a very thin film of gold and this thin film reflects a lot of the extremely powerful solar radiation that exists in space and helps to protect the eyes and skin of the astronauts.