PZPS-produced NP2 nickel foil improved comfort and safety for cosmonauts during spacewalks

Since the first space flights humanity has sought to improve means ensuring astronauts’ safety and comfort in outer space. The first spacesuits were made predominantly from soft fabrics with limited use of metal alloys. Over time and with technology development, spacesuits became ever more complex and functional. Modern models are equipped with built-in computers, professional high-resolution cameras, and other high-tech devices providing astronauts a high level of mobility and protection in space.

Applications of precision alloys in space

Various steels and alloys, including precision ones, are widely used in the space industry. These materials have unique properties that allow them to work under extreme space conditions. Important properties include elevated strength, low mass, radiation resistance, and resistance to high temperatures.

The following alloys are most often used in the space industry:

• Titanium alloys — distinguished by low weight and high strength. They are considered an ideal material for use in the space industry; they are used to create structural elements of spacecraft, including satellite and rocket bodies.
• Cobalt alloys — thanks to elevated heat resistance and strength they are widely used to manufacture rocket engine turbine blades and other parts subject to especially high loads in service.
• Nickel precision alloys such as Inconel alloys — characterized by high strength, heat resistance, and corrosion resistance. Exactly these properties make them an ideal choice for use in the space industry, especially under combustion conditions and extremely high temperatures.

Innovations in creating spacesuits

Today engineers intensively work on developing next-generation spacesuits. One such example is BioSuit, or the “spacesuit of the future.” It will be made of elastic fabric (spandex and nylon) covered over the entire surface with thin threads of a nickel-titanium alloy. Connected to a power source, these threads will allow the spacesuit to fit tightly around the astronaut’s body while ensuring comfort and high mobility when working on the surface of other planets.

Using nickel foil in spacesuits for extravehicular activity

An important element in creating modern spacesuits is nickel foil grade NP2. It has unique properties that allow it to be effectively used in outer space:

• Heat protection — high heat-reflecting properties make it possible to reduce solar radiation effects on the spacesuit, preventing overheating and ensuring astronaut protection.
• Cold protection — good thermal insulation helps retain heat inside the spacesuit in the absence of an atmosphere, which is a natural insulator from cold.
• Protection from micrometeorites — tiny particles of space debris posing a threat to astronauts. Nickel foil serves as an additional protection layer, preventing microparticles from penetrating the spacesuit.

Developing innovative materials at the PZPS research center

Using precision alloys in spacesuits not only raises astronaut safety but also ensures comfort under extreme outer-space conditions. These materials play an important role in creating innovative technologies that allow humanity to explore new space horizons.

The PZPS research center conducts research in developing new materials, in particular heat-resistant alloys intended for service under complex conditions. Research centers are an integral part of the advanced technological infrastructure of the space industry, ensuring supplies of innovative materials for creating more advanced space protection means.

On the basis of the research center Petersburg Plant of Precision Alloys is ready to provide material and technical capabilities for developing new alloys and production technologies, as well as to assist in implementing promising commercial projects. For cooperation, call +7 812 740-76-87 or leave a request on our website. PZPS specialists will contact you shortly and explain cooperation terms in detail.

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