Gold Protects Astronauts from Radiation

Topics Covered

Overview
Gold in Space Exploration Applications
Applications of Gold in the Hubble Telescope

Overview

Gold's reflectivity, conductivity and corrosion resistance have long made it a vital material in mankind's exploration of space.

Gold in Space Exploration Applications

It's efficiency as a reflector of heat and infra-red radiation has led to gold being used to in many of NASA's undertakings. So reflective gold-coated plastic film is wrapped around parts of the equipment that are subjected to a steady stream of intense static generating solar raditation and heat. In a similar way, a layer of gold on the helmets of astronauts enable them to work in space safe from the lethal effects of this radiation. The Mars Global Surveyor had an on-board gold-coated parabolic telescope-mirror that helped to generate a detailed map of the entire Martian surface over a two-year period.

Applications of Gold in the Hubble Telescope

The $1.5 billion Hubble telescope has been protected by gold coatings to provide corrosion resistance and electrical connections. Nearly 41Kg of gold was used in the construction of the US Columbia space shuttle, especially in brazing alloys, fuel cell fabrication, for coated plastic films or in electrical contacts.

Source: World Gold Council

For more information on this source please visit World Gold Council