The global market for satellites and space exploration is experiencing tremendous growth. After reaching a record $613 billion in 2024, this fast-growing market is expected to surpass $1 trillion by 2040, according to PWC. If you’re seeking to capture a share of the new space economy, it’s time to discover low outgassing silicones from Specialty Silicone Products (SSP).
What is Silicone Outgassing?
Silicone outgassing is a problem for satellites because optical sensors, camera lenses, and electronics need to remain free from contamination. Outgassing, the release of volatile compounds, occurs because of the pressure difference between a material’s surface or interior and space’s near-perfect vacuum. Silicone outgassing is also a concern during crewed spaceflight because outgassed materials can degrade environmental control and life support systems (ECLSS).
Specialty Silicone Products (SSP) makes low outgassing silicones for space technology applications. These specialized elastomers have been tested according to ASTM E595, ASTM International’s Standard Test Method for Total Mass Loss (TML) and Collected Volatile Condensable Materials (CVCM) for Outgassing in a Vacuum Environment. NASA’s low outgassing test references this standard test method and establishes limits for TML (1.00%) and CVCM (0.10%).
Three Materials with Low Silicone Outgassing
SSP offers three low outgassing silicones, each for specific challenges.
- SSP2575 combines space heritage with flexibility at temperatures as low as -116°C (-177°F.)
- SSP-502-55LT is an EMI shielding silicone with a TR-10 low-temperature capability.
- SSP502-40-V0 is a low durometer silicone with EMI shielding and UL 94V0 flame rating.
These space-grade materials are available as sheets, rolls, or ready-to-mold compounds. SSP also offers fabricated products like EMI gaskets and EMI O-Rings for space applications.
SSP2575: Extreme Low Temperature Silicone with Space Heritage
SSP2575 is a low outgassing, extreme low temperature silicone with a history of use in U.S. space programs. This 50-durometer elastomer remains flexible at -116°C (-177°F). SSP2575 passes ASTM E595 outgas testing and has a TML of 0.17%, which is well below the NASA threshold. Download our third-party Outgas Report for additional details.
SSP-502-55LT: TR-10 Low Temperature Silicone with EMI Shielding
SSP-502-55LT is a low outgassing silicone with a TR-10 low-temperature capability of -70°C (-94°F). TR-10 is the temperature at which a vulcanizate retracts 10%, and the TR Test is part of ASTM D1329, a standard test method for evaluating a rubber’s retraction at low temperatures. Like SSP’s other elastomers, this 55-durometer silicone is available with a batch-level Certificate of Analysis (COA).
SSP502-40-V0: Low Durometer, UL 94V0 EMI Silicone with EMI Shielding
SSP502-40-V0 is a low durometer (40 Shore A) EMI shielding silicone that meets UL 94 V0 flammability requirements. It’s filled with cost-effective nickel-graphite particles and supports thinner, smaller, and lighter-weight designs. Compare SSP502-40-V0 to the following Parker Chomerics CHO-SEAL materials: S6305, 6330, 6370, 6371, 6372, and 6308.
Beat Silicone Outgassing with SSP
Specialty Silicone Products (SSP) is a Made in USA manufacturer that makes its own materials and products in Ballston Spa, New York. With our in-house toolroom and laboratory, we offer quick turnaround times. Importantly, we also offer low minimum order quantities (MOQs). Whether you’re an established space manufacturer or in search of new market opportunities, contact us.
