Cork, the versatile and eco-friendly material, is making its way into NASA’s new heavy-lift rocket, the Space Launch System (SLS), for upcoming missions to the Moon and Mars. This development highlights the importance of sustainable materials in space travel and their pivotal role in minimizing the environmental impact of exploration.
Known for its lightweight and strong properties, cork offers excellent insulation capabilities, making it ideal for use in space missions. It is also temperature and radiation resistant, making it a reliable choice for protecting equipment in extreme conditions. Additionally, cork can transform in response to its environment, further enhancing its suitability for space travel.
The cork used in the SLS is harvested from the bark of trees in cork oak forests around the Mediterranean. These trees can live for up to 200 years and be harvested multiple times without causing any damage to their continued growth. This sustainable process ensures a constant supply of cork without harming the environment.
One of the major suppliers of cork for the aerospace industry, Corticeira Amorim, a Portuguese cork producer, has been involved in the supply chain since the 1960s. They highlight that 70% of the cellular structure of cork is air, making it an excellent insulator. This insulation is crucial for maintaining the structural integrity of the rocket during launch and operation, ensuring the safety of astronauts on board.
The UK Space Agency (UKSA) is also exploring the use of recycled materials, including cork, to insulate their launcher propulsion systems. This initiative is aimed at reducing the environmental impact of space exploration and promoting sustainability within the industry.
While natural materials like cork have a lower environmental impact compared to synthetic alternatives, they also have certain drawbacks. For instance, cork can potentially catch fire and may have permeability issues. However, NASA and UKSA are diligently working to balance their mission objectives with sustainability considerations, carefully evaluating the availability, reliability, and environmental impact of materials they use.
The continued use of cork in aerospace applications underscores the significance of natural materials in making space travel more sustainable and minimizing its impact on the Earth. As the next mission using the SLS rocket, Artemis III, is planned for 2025, it will mark the first time humans set foot on the lunar surface in over 50 years. This milestone achievement will showcase the potential of eco-friendly materials like cork in driving the future of innovative and sustainable space exploration.
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