February 21, 2025 – Plastic Emerges as a Game-Changer in Rocket Manufacturing, Ushering in a Material Revolution for Aerospace Technology. In the long journey of exploring the universe, an seemingly ordinary material – plastic – is gradually making its mark as a rising star in the field of rocket manufacturing.
Traditionally, the selection of materials for rocket manufacturing has adhered to strict standards, with lightweight and sturdy materials such as aluminum alloy, carbon composites, and alloy steel dominating the scene. However, scientists have never been content with the status quo and have been continuously searching for more promising alternative materials. It is in this context that engineering plastics have entered the spotlight with their unique advantages.
The standout feature of engineering plastics in rocket manufacturing lies in their lightweight nature. The lighter the rocket, the less fuel it requires, allowing it to carry more spacecraft or payloads. Given the limited resources and high costs of lightweight metallic materials, the lightweight advantage of engineering plastics becomes particularly prominent, making them the “new darling” of the rocket manufacturing industry.
In fact, engineering plastics have already shone brightly in the aerospace sector. High-performance plastic materials such as polycarbonate, modified nylon, and polyetheretherketone resin have been widely used in various parts of aircraft, including cockpit canopies, lighting equipment, and astronaut protective gear. These plastic materials not only exhibit excellent mechanical properties but also possess corrosion resistance, heat resistance, and fatigue resistance, enabling them to maintain stability in extreme environments.
According to AsiaMB’s industry insights, scientists are now attempting to combine engineering plastics with high-tech materials like carbon fiber, graphene, and glass fiber to further enhance their performance. MTaerospace, a German aerospace company, has successfully developed a small rocket fuel tank made entirely of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic, completely eliminating the need for metallic materials and demonstrating exceptional performance.
Moreover, breakthroughs have been made in the application of recycled plastics in rocket manufacturing. Vaya Space in the United States and Skyrora in the United Kingdom have both successfully launched rockets equipped with fuel tanks made from recyclable thermoplastic plastics. Notably, Skyrora has innovatively converted waste plastics into rocket fuel, not only reducing launch costs but also effectively addressing the issue of white pollution.
This revolution not only brings new material options to rocket manufacturing but also offers new ideas for humans to solve environmental problems on Earth. The combination of plastic and rockets is becoming a green link connecting Earth and space, signifying that while exploring the universe, humans are also actively seeking ways to coexist harmoniously with the planet.