How precision alloys are used in the space industry
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How precision alloys are used in the space industry

April 12, 1961 was marked not only for Russia but also for the whole world. On this day, for the first time in human history, a spacecraft with a person on board was launched into orbit around the Earth. Yuri Gagarin, a Soviet pilot-cosmonaut, made the legendary flight aboard the Vostok spacecraft, ushering in a new era in space exploration.

The launch of the satellite ship was carried out under the supervision of:

  • S.P. Korolev, a designer of rocket and space systems;
  • L.A. Voskresensky, a rocket test scientist;
  • A.S. Kirillov, Major General of the Soviet Army.

The launch was successful, and after the last stage of the launch vehicle was separated, Vostok set off on a free “voyage” around the planet. It took 1 hour 48 minutes to fly around the Earth, after which the ship successfully landed at 10:55am Moscow time at its intended location — in the Saratov region near the village of Smelovka.

Later, cosmonaut G.S. Titov proposed establishing Cosmonautics Day both in the USSR and in the world. In November 1968, at a conference organized by the International Aviation Federation, it was decided to announce April 12 World Aviation and Cosmonautics Day. And in April 2011, at a meeting of the UN General Assembly, a resolution was signed approving April 12 International Day of Human Space Flight.

From that moment on, humanity began to dream of traveling far beyond our planet. But behind these dreams are thousands of hours of work by scientists, engineers and metallurgists who develop and create materials that can withstand the harsh conditions of space.

Precision alloys are special materials designed for high-precision devices operating under extreme loads and variable parameters. They are widely used in the aerospace industry due to their unique properties that ensure the reliability and performance of spacecraft. Let's take a look at exactly which precision alloys used in the aerospace industry today.

Soft magnetic materials: the invisible engine of progress

Precision soft magnetic alloys are irreplaceable elements electronics spacecraft. Their high magnetic permeability and low coercive force make them ideal for creating magnetic elements and components of control and stabilization systems.

For example, alloys 49K2FA, 27KH, 50N, 50NP, 79NM are used for the manufacture of magnetic cores for transformers, inductors, throttles, solenoids and other devices necessary for the operation of spacecraft electrical circuits. Precision soft magnetic alloys 80NM, 81NMA They are also used to create magnetic protective screens and sensors for space electronics. They provide reliable protection against electromagnetic interference and the stable operation of electrical circuits in space, where even minor failures can be catastrophic.

Corrosion-resistant, heat-resistant and heat-resistant alloys: resistance under extreme conditions

The extreme conditions of outer space require materials that can withstand high temperatures, aggressive environments and increased mechanical loads. Let's take a closer look at which alloys are used in the space industry and what exactly is made of them.

Corrosion resistant alloys

Corrosion resistant materials such as 12X18H10T, 12X18N9, 12X18N9SMR, are used for the manufacture of engine hulls and elements exposed to corrosive environments. These alloys are highly resistant to corrosion and oxidation, which makes them ideal for use in outer space, where a large number of aggressive components may be present.

For example, in Venus ducts, many parts are made of corrosion-resistant materials due to the harsh conditions of the planet Venus (temperature 400—500 ℃, pressure 90 atmospheres).

Heat-resistant alloys

Heat-resistant materials, for example, based on nickel, are used for the manufacture of engine parts that are exposed to high temperatures. Their high temperature resistance makes them indispensable in the conditions of intense thermal effects of outer space.

Heat-resistant alloys

Heat-resistant materials, such as KhN78T, as well as analogues of Inconel alloys, development and production which are continuously being developed by PZPS, are used to create turbine blades for rocket and spacecraft engines. These alloys are highly durable at extreme temperatures and are resistant to thermal cycling, which allows them to operate under conditions of intense thermal effects.

Precision alloys with a given temperature coefficient of linear expansion: optics in space

Precision grade materials 29NK, 36N, 42N with a given temperature coefficient of linear expansion, they are an integral part of optical systems on spacecraft, such as telescopes and satellites. Their dimensional stability when temperature changes ensures the accuracy of focusing optical systems in space, where temperature fluctuations can be significant.

Development of new alloys for the space industry

Precision alloys play a key role in the modern aerospace industry as integral components of spacecraft design and manufacture. Their unique physical and chemical properties ensure the reliability, efficiency and safety of space systems even under the most extreme conditions. Thanks to the continuous improvement and development of these materials, scientific research in space continues to move forward, opening up new horizons and opportunities for humanity.

Research Center PZPS is ready to offer a material and technical base for the development of new alloys and production technologies, as well as assist in implementing promising projects in the space industry. We invite all interested parties to cooperate and suggest calling +7 812 740-76-87 or submit a request on the site. Our experts are ready to answer your questions and tell you in detail about the terms of cooperation. By working together, we can make an important contribution to the development of the aerospace industry and ensure progress and innovation in space exploration.

Published by:
11.06.2025
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