Silicon
Silicon is a chemical element with the symbol Si and atomic number 14. It is a hard, brittle crystalline solid with a blue-grey metallic lustre, and is a tetravalent metalloid and semiconductor. In space and astronautical engineering, silicon is widely used in the production of solar cells, which are used to convert sunlight into electricity. Silicon is also used in the construction of microchips and other electronic components that are used in spacecraft and satellites. Due to its high melting point and resistance to radiation, silicon is an ideal material for use in the harsh environment of space. Additionally, silicon is used in the production of heat shields and other protective coatings that are used to protect spacecraft from the extreme temperatures and radiation encountered during spaceflight.
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