Much of the modern material we find common place today can find there origins in pioneering space technology, the same can be said for many of the advanced ceramic materials used in bearings. Ceramic bearings can be found in a number of space applications from space flight to satellites to unmanned exploration vehicles.
Space poses a combination of many high stress applications in one. A number of benefits can be found in the use ceramic bearings, light weight and vacuum compatible ceramic bearings provide a weight saving and are able to withstand space flight and are common place on satellites due to this. Additionally ceramic bearings, unlike their steel equivalents, are able to run unlubricated providing an added weight saving without the need for heavy greases or oils that will also may contaminate delicate components in the surrounding application.