In Europe, the UK is one of the frontrunners when it comes to space exploration, both from an innovation and sustainability standpoint. Thanks to the UK Space Agency (ESA) and its many partners across the continent, numerous projects and tests take place every year, and several academic programs are launched to shape tomorrow’s engineers and mechanics. However, have you ever wondered about the role of gases in the space industry?

While methane is one of the main protagonists in this sector, in today’s blog, we will use our extensive knowledge as bottled gas suppliers to focus on helium. We will explore this gas’s unique properties that make it indispensable in current and future space exploration, from powering rocket engines with propulsion systems to cooling scientific tools for enhanced scientific research. Three, two, one: launch!

How Helium Fuels the Next Frontier in Rocketry

When we think of helium, we automatically think of helium gas for balloons. However, there is more to it, and rocketry, one of the major branches of space exploration, relies heavily on this gas. As humanity sets its sights on ambitious missions ranging from new lunar expeditions with the Artemis mission to terraforming Mars, the demand for helium in rocketry is expected to soar to new heights. But why? What are this gas’s main advantages? Let’s sum them up briefly:

1. Its low boiling point and inert nature make it ideal for propulsion as an efficient propellant for rocket engines.
2. In its liquid form, helium serves as an essential component in rocket pressurisation systems, ensuring a precise, flawless, and controlled fuel flow during launch.
3. Its lightness contributes to payload efficiency, allowing rockets to carry more weight into space.
4. Helium’s stability at extreme temperatures makes it an extremely safe choice for storing and transporting rocket fuels, as well as allowing the smooth operation of instruments like telescopes.

We can safely say that helium is an incredibly valuable and unexpectedly surprising resource.

Space Telescopes: Exploring the Universe without Travelling

If you are familiar with the great discoveries of advanced telescopes like the famous Hubble Space and James Webb Space Telescopes, you will be surprised to know that helium plays an important role here. These gems of modern astronomy allow us to peer into the cosmos and discover its deepest secrets without travelling, so it is essential that they work smoothly and efficiently.

Their successful observations depend on sophisticated cooling systems that maintain optimal conditions for inspecting and studying distant celestial bodies; this is where helium comes into play! Thanks to its stability, which we mentioned earlier, this gas mitigates the so-called “thermal noise”. It facilitates the attainment of near-absolute zero temperatures, which are necessary for the telescopes’ sensitive mechanisms and components to function well.

With each new observation, space telescopes powered by helium expand the boundaries of human knowledge, offering deeper and deeper glimpses into the vastness of the universe and sparking the curiosity behind every future space mission.

Helium and Cryogenics: Cooling the Tools of Discovery

While we focus on temperatures, the role of helium extends far beyond cooling space telescopes; in fact, it is fundamental in cryogenics, the science of low-temperature phenomena, which heavily relies on this gas and its incredible cooling properties. In the space industry, cryogenic temperatures are essential for preserving scientific tools and spacecraft components, which are exposed to extreme temperatures during launch and when in space. Here, helium’s ability to reach ultra-low temperatures makes it perfect for cooling superconducting materials used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines and particle accelerators; additionally, its stability is critical in the vacuum space, where temperatures swing dramatically.

So, whether investigating the depth of the universe or conducting experiments, helium-driven cryogenics is a pillar of scientific progress in both terrestrial laboratories and space missions.

Helium-3: to the Moon and Beyond

As a rare isotope of helium, helium-3 stands out for its potential to revolutionise energy generation in the form of fusion reactors, representing a viable energy source for future space missions. Unlike conventional nuclear reactions, fusion reactions powered by helium-3 produce minimal radioactive waste, offering a cleaner and safer alternative for meeting the energy needs of space exploration.

While this helium type is quite rare on Earth, scientists have reason to believe it abounds on the lunar surface, where the solar wind has deposited it over billions of years. As the space industry is constantly looking for new, more sustainable ways to launch missions, such a lunar helium-3 stash presents a valuable opportunity to make them possible. This could not only propel long-duration space expeditions but also offer promising solutions for clean energy production on Earth.

Balancing Terrestrial and Space-Related Helium Needs

So far, we have discussed exciting aspects of helium in the space industry. However, our exploration wouldn’t be complete without mentioning something important: the importance of balancing the helium needs of industries on Earth with the growing demands of space missions. At the end of the day, like all the elements on this planet, helium is a finite resource, primarily extracted from natural gas deposits.

Concerns about its shortages, alongside price volatility, have prompted calls for more sustainable helium management practices, including recycling and alternative extraction methods. In space, the logistics of helium supply is increasingly difficult, as transporting large quantities to distant destinations remains technologically challenging and incredibly costly.

Bottle Gases, Your Reliable Helium Supplier on Earth

Even if your hobbies or business don’t involve space travel, at Bottle Gases, we are here to meet your helium needs, whether for practical or recreational purposes.

Whether you are a professional party planner in need of helium for 100 balloons or enjoy organising the perfect special event, we offer reliable helium canisters in both refillable and disposable options. Our commitment to quality guarantees that you won’t regret trusting us to deliver the helium you need whenever you need it, allowing you to focus on the fun side of things. Browse our products and contact us today to place your order or ask us any questions to experience the versatility of this remarkable gas first-hand.