Why was the Hesalite crystal often favored in the official flight-qualified version of the Speedmaster?
Answer
It is shatter-resistant and avoids producing dangerous, sharp shards.
The Hesalite crystal (a type of acrylic plastic) was recognized as a safety feature because if it fractured, it tended to crack into large pieces rather than creating dangerous, sharp shards like glass would in a space environment.
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Why NASA chose the Speedmaster - Best explanation you will hear
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