What is the Surprising Nature of Cold Welding in Space?

In the vacuum of space, a unique phenomenon known as cold welding can occur when two pieces of metal come into contact. Unlike on Earth, where air and oxidation create barriers between materials, the lack of an atmosphere in space allows metals to bond together at the molecular level. When two clean, unoxidized metal surfaces touch, their atoms can intermingle, resulting in a bond that is sometimes stronger than the original materials. This effect poses significant challenges for spacecraft design, as mechanical joints and fasteners can unintentionally fuse together, potentially leading to equipment failure. Engineers must therefore consider this unusual property when designing tools and structures for use in outer space, highlighting the extraordinary and often counterintuitive nature of physics beyond our planet.