Something as fragile as a human being entering the realm of the outer space requires a material that is lightweight yet durable enough to protect astronauts as they explore the universe. Luckily, the space age has coincided with the age of plastics; chemistry has created just the materials that make remote worlds and the harshest environments more accessible, making exploration possible.
Plastics are typically polymers(1) of high molecular mass, and may contain other substances to improve performance and/or reduce production costs. They are resistant to chemicals; thus, they can be used to store many types of substances or withstand harsh environments. Monomers(2) of plastic are either natural or synthetic organic compounds.
Today’s spacesuits rely on up to ten different polymers to protect space crafters from temperatures ranging from -156.6ºC to 176.6ºC; the helmet and visor are made of protective polycarbonate layers. On the space station, plastics provide cleaner air, purer water, and more effective sanitation than ever. Water purification and recycling depend on medical-grade fluoropolymer tubing and membranes as well as iodinated polystyrene beads to recover 85-95% of waste water and make it drinkable.
NASA’s Pathfinder used polymers in its mission to Mars where robotic vehicles were landed using airbags made of tough aramid fiber(3). Pathfinder’s ablative coating was made of silicon plastic, and the parachute was made of polyester. The rover’s wheels used plastic bearings and its solar panels were made of plastic composites; even the bright golden cover that protects the rover is made from polymide(4).
Some visionaries even see spacesuit technologies as the blueprint for a new era of sustainable housing where buildings generate energy depending on windows and construction materials made from recycled plastics.
Glossary:
- Polymer: a large molecule composed of repeated molecular units which are usually joined by covalent bonds. Most plastics are man-made polymers, while proteins are natural polymers made up of amino acids.
- Monomer: is an atom or a small molecule that may bind chemically to other monomers to form a polymer. The term monomer refers to the organic molecules which form synthetic polymers.
- Aramid fibers: a class of heat-resistant and strong synthetic fibers. They are used in aerospace and military applications, for ballistic rated body armor fabric and ballistic composites, in bicycle tires, and as an asbestos substitute.
- Polymide: is a polymer containing monomers of amides joined by peptide bonds. They can occur both naturally and artificially. Polyamides are commonly used in textiles, automotives, carpet and sportswear due to their extreme durability and strength.
Reference:
http://www.americanchemistry.com/s_acc/sec_article.asp?CID=116&DID=6307
http://www.wikipedia.org/