The Role of Helium in Space Exploration
Space exploration has come a long way since its inception in the mid-20th century. The advancements in space technology have enabled us to explore the unknown depths of space and the celestial bodies within our solar system. However, space exploration is not without its challenges, and the availability of resources plays a significant role in the success of any space mission.
One such resource is helium, a colorless, odorless, and non-toxic gas that is widely used in many industries, including space exploration. Helium is the second lightest element in the universe, making it ideal for use as a lifting gas in balloons and airships. Besides its use as a lifting gas, helium serves a critical role in space exploration.
One of the primary uses of helium in space exploration is as a coolant. Many space instruments and equipment generate a lot of heat during their operation; thus, cooling them is essential to prevent damage. Helium, with its low boiling point and excellent thermal properties, is an ideal coolant for this purpose. Helium is commonly used in cryogenic cooling systems such as those deployed in the Hubble Space Telescope and the James Webb Space Telescope.
The James Webb Space Telescope, the successor to the Hubble Space Telescope, is set to launch in 2021, and it will rely heavily on helium for its successful operation. The telescope uses a cryocooler to cool the Near Infrared Camera (NIRCam) and the Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) to cryogenic temperatures. The cryocooler uses a small amount of helium to achieve the low temperatures required for the instruments to operate correctly. Without helium, the telescopes' instruments would overheat, severely impairing their functionality.
Another crucial use of helium in space exploration is as a fuel. Although helium is not a particularly efficient fuel, its high energy density and relatively low weight make it ideal for use as a propellant in small spacecraft. NASA's Deep Space 1 mission in 1998 used a small ion thruster that relied on helium for its propellant. The ion thruster was a significant milestone in space exploration as it marked the first successful use of ion propulsion in space.
Besides its uses as a coolant and fuel, helium has other uses in space exploration. Inert gas welding, a popular welding technique, requires a helium-rich environment to prevent oxidation of the weld. Helium is also used to pressurize fuel tanks in rockets, where it ensures that the fuel flows smoothly and reduces the risk of combustion.
However, despite the critical role that helium plays in space exploration, its availability is becoming a concern. Helium is a finite resource, and its production is limited to specific regions worldwide. Additionally, the handling and transportation of helium can be expensive and pose significant logistical challenges.
Chengdu Taiyu Industrial Gases Co., Ltd., a Chinese industrial gas company, is working to address this challenge. The company has over 19 years of experience in the manufacture, supply, and transportation of industrial gases, including helium. Taiyu Industrial Gases provides a one-stop industrial gas supply solution to the world, including gas refilling, gas analysis, gas application design, and gas transportation, helping to ensure that industries, including space exploration, have access to the resources they need.
In conclusion, helium plays a critical role in space exploration, from serving as a coolant and fuel to welding and pressurizing fuel tanks. However, with its finite availability, its use must be carefully managed, and there is a growing need to explore alternative resources. Chengdu Taiyu Industrial Gases Co., Ltd. is among the companies working to secure the availability and accessibility of helium for space exploration and many other industries worldwide. As we continue to advance our technologies and explore the vast depths of space, access to vital resources such as helium is essential to the success of these endeavors.