what type of metals did the U.S made it with
Aluminium alloys - strong but light and insensitive to radiation
Composites-(very recentlyLike a carbon fiber and epoxy mixStrong , moldable, corrosion resistant , light , and meteors will often bounce off, not penetrate Aluminum (they have to be light) Magnesium (ditto) Silicon (solar cells, integrated circuits) Lithium (light, for back up batteries) Copper (wiring) Gold (connector plating that won't corrode)
The pressure vessel was mostly aluminum and magnesium, and very thin in some placesAstronauts were aware that you could almost push a pencil through the skin without much effortIn some places it was only as thick as 3 sheets of aluminum foilThe landing legs were also aluminum, and titanium fittings joined them to the baseThe engine bell was made with lightweight steel mesh and titanium - it didn't need to be nearly as strong, or survive as high of heat as the other major engines (The F-1s, and J-2's used on the first, second, third stages and on the service module.)
Aluminium alloys - strong but light and insensitive to radiation
Composites-(very recentlyLike a carbon fiber and epoxy mixStrong , moldable, corrosion resistant , light , and meteors will often bounce off, not penetrate Aluminum (they have to be light) Magnesium (ditto) Silicon (solar cells, integrated circuits) Lithium (light, for back up batteries) Copper (wiring) Gold (connector plating that won't corrode)
The pressure vessel was mostly aluminum and magnesium, and very thin in some placesAstronauts were aware that you could almost push a pencil through the skin without much effortIn some places it was only as thick as 3 sheets of aluminum foilThe landing legs were also aluminum, and titanium fittings joined them to the baseThe engine bell was made with lightweight steel mesh and titanium - it didn't need to be nearly as strong, or survive as high of heat as the other major engines (The F-1s, and J-2's used on the first, second, third stages and on the service module.)
