O-rings
O-rings are circular elastomeric seals used to prevent leakage of fluids and gases in space and astronautical engineering applications. They are commonly used in rocket engines, spacecraft, and other aerospace systems to seal joints and connections between components. O-rings are made of materials that can withstand extreme temperatures, pressures, and radiation levels, and are designed to maintain their sealing properties in harsh environments. However, O-rings can fail due to factors such as wear, erosion, and thermal cycling, which can lead to catastrophic failures in space systems. The most well-known example of an O-ring failure is the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster in 1986, where a failed O-ring caused the explosion of the shuttle during launch.
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