A Guide to Metals Used in Spacecraft to Withstand High Temperatures

Importance of Temperature Resistance in Spacecraft Components

The extreme environments encountered by spacecraft present unique challenges for materials engineering. During launch and re-entry, spacecraft components must withstand temperatures ranging from -250°F in the vacuum of space to over 2,600°F during atmospheric re-entry. These dramatic temperature variations, combined with intense vibration and structural loads, demand materials that maintain their integrity under the most severe conditions.

The stakes couldn’t be higher. When it comes to spacecraft components, material failure isn’t just a manufacturing concern — it’s a safety imperative. This is why aerospace manufacturers carefully select metals that can withstand high temperatures while maintaining their structural properties, ensuring both mission success and crew safety.

Key Metals for High-Temperature Resistance in Spacecraft

Titanium

Titanium has emerged as a cornerstone material in spacecraft manufacturing, and one of the most valued metals used in spacecraft to withstand high temperatures, thanks to its exceptional combination of properties. With a remarkable strength-to-weight ratio and a melting point of approximately 3,034°F (1,668°C), titanium components deliver reliable performance in the most demanding aerospace applications.

Key properties that make titanium invaluable include:

• Outstanding strength-to-weight ratio
• Superior corrosion resistance
• High melting point
• Low thermal expansion
• Excellent biocompatibility

These characteristics make titanium ideal for critical applications such as structural frames, hot engine sections, turbine blades, and heat shields designed for re-entry protection.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel continues to be a reliable choice for spacecraft components, particularly in areas requiring high strength and temperature resistance. Its key advantages include:

• Exceptional tensile strength
• Outstanding corrosion resistance
• Reliable performance at both high and low temperatures
• Superior durability and toughness

Stainless steel can be found in almost everything from spacecraft structural components and engine components to fluid systems and instrumentation. Some components that are commonly made with stainless steel include load-bearing components, combustion chambers, cryogenic fuel tanks, pipes and tubes in fluid systems, and housings and enclosures for sensitive instruments. 

Copper

While not as strong as the other three metals, copper is the undisputed winner when it comes to thermal conductivity when compared to titanium, aluminum, and stainless steel. It also has a significantly higher electrical conductivity, making it ideal for a number of applications related to electrical work and thermal management. Key applications include:

• Heat sinks and radiators
• Electrical systems
• Rocket engine cooling systems
• Thermal management components

Get Metal Parts for the Demands of Aerospace Applications from Re:Build Cutting Dynamics

At Re:Build Cutting Dynamics, we bring decades of experience working with these critical aerospace metals. Our expertise spans precision machining, specialized forming processes, and advanced manufacturing techniques that ensure every component meets the exacting standards of aerospace applications.

Our capabilities include specialized processes like hot forming titanium, which has proven crucial for aerospace applications. We’ve established ourselves as industry leaders in titanium fabrication, as detailed in our exploration of titanium’s strategic role in aerospace. 

For more than three decades, we’ve served as a trusted partner to leading aerospace manufacturers, delivering components that meet the industry’s most stringent requirements. Our comprehensive capabilities ensure we can handle your most challenging aerospace manufacturing needs.

Do you need custom metal components tailored to aerospace demands? Connect with us today to get started.