How to Select the Right Silicone for Space Applications

From traditional satellites to crew capsules to exploration vehicles, aerospace manufacturers have long relied on silicone adhesives, coatings and elastomers for applications that move science forward, into the deepest reaches of space. Silicones offer broad operating temperatures, the ability to maintain elasticity over these temperatures and low modulus, thus making them a popular choice for bonding and protecting sensitive components and electronics (i.e., sensors, antennas, cameras and solar panels) and for general spacecraft assembly.

Space exploration presents unique environmental challenges, particularly related to extreme temperatures and vacuum conditions. These challenges can cause volatiles in a material to outgas, which can potentially damage sensitive sensors, lenses, electronics and other surfaces. Ultraviolet (UV) and atomic oxygen (AO) exposure can further degrade outgassed materials, a process that can cause adverse effects, shorten the operational lifetime of hardware and, at worst, trigger mission failure.