Wisconsin cork plays a huge part in space exploration

 

A lot of us might have a little neck strain after looking skyward so long to see the eclipse.  And while we're on the subject of all things out of this world, did you know there's a company from Wisconsin playing a huge role in space exploration.  They make a product a lot of us use to keep our wine and champagne fresh. Cork.

Amorim Cork Composites, located in the town of Trevor, has been producing this product made from Oak bark since the early 1960s.  They supply cork to NASA and other aeronautic entities, both public and private.  Cork is considered to be "nature's foam."  It helps absorb heat during rocket launches.  Its chemical structure is resistant to acids, most fuels, oils, and does not rot when immersed in water for long periods of time.

Beside space, Amorim makes products used right here on earth, including cork stoppers for wine or champagne.  They also make various gaskets and flooring. 

The company, headquartered out of Portugal, is involved with space exploration projects to Mars, especially with test launches of rockets.  Astronauts are expected on the Red Planet by 2033.