Silicone in Space? Exploring Aerospace-Grade Applications
By Mane Grigoryan
Space is unforgiving. There’s no room for error—literally or figuratively. Temperatures swing from blistering to freezing in minutes. Materials face radiation, vibration, vacuum pressure, and thermal shock—all in a single mission. In such extreme environments, only the most reliable substances survive.
Surprisingly—or perhaps not so surprisingly—silicone is one of them.
At UNISIL, with operations in Hungary and the USA, we’ve worked on materials designed not just for Earth, but for the edge of what’s possible. Silicone isn’t just “useful” in aerospace—it’s often essential.
Why? Let’s unpack it.
First, there's temperature resistance. Traditional materials become brittle or break down when exposed to the kinds of swings spacecraft endure. Silicones, thanks to their stable Si-O backbone, can operate from -100°C to over 300°C without degrading. That alone makes them suitable for a wide range of aerospace uses—from insulating sensitive electronics to bonding heat shields.
But temperature is just the beginning.
In vacuum conditions, many organic materials outgas. That is, they release trapped gases or solvents when exposed to low pressure. In space, this can create a film on sensors, lenses, or delicate instruments—a huge problem. Aerospace-grade silicones, like those we develop at UNISIL, are engineered for low outgassing. They meet NASA and ESA standards, making them safe for even the most delicate optical systems.
We once collaborated with a satellite subsystem developer looking for a gel that could insulate microcircuits and survive vibration testing. Their previous material failed during a launch simulation—it cracked and shifted, jeopardizing signal integrity. We provided a methylsilicone-based gel with optimized shear properties and zero creep under G-force. Not only did it survive the simulation—it passed all environmental tests with room to spare.
That’s the thing about space applications. You don’t get a second chance. Everything must be tested, verified, then tested again. That’s why consistency in formulation, supply chain reliability, and expert support matter just as much as the chemistry itself.
Silicones also play a role in reentry systems—used as ablative materials, sealants for escape hatches, or flexible adhesives bonding dissimilar surfaces (like aluminum to composite). In some applications, they act as vibration dampers, protecting sensors or payloads during liftoff. In others, they prevent moisture absorption in pre-launch conditions on Earth.
And while “space” might feel distant or niche, the truth is these technologies often feed back into Earth-based industries.
The same silicone used to coat a component for a Martian rover might later show up in aviation electronics, autonomous drones, or high-speed rail systems. The performance standards are universal—just the altitude changes.
At UNISIL, we see aerospace not as an isolated sector but as an inspiration for what’s possible. It pushes us—forces us to ask: How can we make this more stable? Lighter? More adaptable? And while we’re not launching rockets ourselves, we’re honored to help the people who do.
It’s part of why we’re proud to be nominated for the 2025 Go Global Awards, taking place this November in London and hosted by the International Trade Council. The event is more than an award ceremony—it’s a crossroad of ideas. A place where innovation, export leadership, and global collaboration meet. Representing Hungary and the USA, we look forward to contributing to that dialogue—bringing lessons from advanced materials into broader industrial conversations.
Because whether it’s orbiting Earth, exploring deep space, or improving everyday tech down here on the ground—silicone, quietly and reliably, is there.
And so are we.
