Weight is a crucial factor in the cost of launching a spacecraft. This has led to the creation of redundant systems. Thermal stability . A satellite moving in and out of the sun's rays is subjected to large cyclic temperature extremes over short periods of time. Spacecraft features which regulate temperatures, such as protective thermal blankets which reflect heat from spacecraft components facing the sun while simultaneously storing heat near components pointed away from the sun, are also necessary.
Polymers can contain molecules which evaporate as time passes.
If outgassing is extensive, volatile molecules can recondense on nearby components, causing severe damage. Atomic Oxygen . In low earth orbit, extremely reactive single atoms of oxygen can attack spacecraft materials, especially metals and polymers . Several forms of radiation must be considered when constructing spacecraft components. In addition, particulate radiation in the form of electrons and protons, commonly known as the solar wind, can also pose serious problems, especially to the semiconductor electronics on board the spacecraft.