The Use of Silicone Adhesives in Space Applications
Every single design consideration—including the adhesives selected—is important in the costly endeavor to send an object into space.
The harsh conditions of space place a set of constraints on the technologies that take us there. Of primary concern when it comes to space system design is the adhesive chosen to hold everything together. What does it take to perform in the vacuum of space, and why will silicone adhesives continue to be the adhesive of choice in many aerospace applications?
The conditions of space impose a unique set of constraints on the technologies that take us there. Indeed, the rigors of space exploration have often been the driving force behind many new technological innovations. Far from the insulating layers of the atmosphere, temperatures can reach as low as -200˚F in the shade and as high as 200˚F when facing the sun. Combine this with a vacuum environment and add to it extremely sensitive electronic and optical devices, and the challenges are daunting. Yet the successes and failures of the past have only increased man's desire to expand his vision of the stars.