More than it first appears: in a symbolic sense, the old alchemists and wizards were early explorers of matter, change, fire, light, metals, and minerals—subjects that eventually became chemistry, metallurgy, and materials science, all of which are essential to space travel.
Could wizards and alchemists have been the first scientists? In many ways, yes: they relied on observation, testing, repetition, and careful recordkeeping, even if their language was mystical and their goals sometimes mixed with legend and philosophy.
Did their experiments help modern technology emerge? Absolutely in spirit and sometimes directly, because alchemy helped build the habits of experimentation and the study of substances that later matured into modern science and engineering.
In the book, Magical Elements of the Periodic Table Presented by the Alchemical Wizards, Berwyn explains that Beryllium is valued in aircraft, spacecraft, and satellites because it is very light, very stiff, and strong enough to serve in structural components where every gram matters.
Proctor shares that Promethium has been explored for specialized radioactive power sources, including lightweight thermoelectric cells that can convert heat into electricity for long-duration spacecraft power needs.
Taltra lets readers know that Tantalum is important in space applications because it can perform reliably in ultra-high-vacuum conditions and in demanding electronic and structural components exposed to extreme environments.
The larger lesson of the Magical Elements of the Periodic Table series is that the “alchemy” theme connects ancient curiosity with modern aerospace, showing that today’s rockets, satellites, and probes depend on the patient discovery of elemental properties. O her elements in the Alchemical Wizards Book 2 books that have helped the human race get to space are:
“Arsenic” – Used in some semiconductor materials for high-performance electronics and solar-related compounds, including applications connected to space hardware.
“Astatine” – So rare and radioactive that it has no practical space-industry use, though it is studied mainly for scientific research.
“Barium” – Used in some rocket and propulsion-related materials, pyrotechnic formulations, and vacuum-system components where a reactive getter can help remove residual gases.
“Cadmium” – Used in cadmium-based batteries and some specialized electronic and detector materials, though its use is limited by toxicity concerns.
“Chromium” – Used in protective coatings, high-temperature alloys, and corrosion-resistant components for aerospace systems.
Hafnium” – Used in high-temperature alloys, control materials, and some advanced electronics because it tolerates extreme heat and harsh conditions.
“Neodymium” – Used in powerful permanent magnets for motors, instruments, and actuators in spacecraft and satellite systems.
“Palladium” – Used in electronics, sensors, and hydrogen-related systems where reliable catalytic and conductive properties are needed.
“Polonium” – Used historically in specialized radioisotope heat sources, but it is highly radioactive and extremely hazardous.
“Praseodymium” – Used in high-strength magnets and specialized alloys for aerospace and spacecraft components.
“Radium” – No meaningful modern space-industry use because of its intense radioactivity and safety hazards.
“Rhenium” – Used in superalloys, rocket engine components, and high-temperature parts because it withstands extreme heat very well.
“Samarium” – Used in samarium-cobalt magnets, prized in aerospace for their stability at high temperatures.
“Selenium” – Used in some photovoltaic and semiconductor technologies, including materials relevant to solar power systems.
“Silicon” – A cornerstone of space electronics and solar cells, making it one of the most important elements in modern space technology.
“Technetium” – Mostly used in medicine and research; it has little practical space-industry use due to radioactivity and scarcity.
“Terbium” – Used in specialized magnetic and optical materials, including certain sensors and high-performance devices.
“Thallium” – Used in a few specialty infrared and optical materials, but its toxicity limits broader space applications.
In the end the wizards of old may not have launched rockets, but their fascination with transforming matter helped prepare humanity for the age of satellites, space stations, and interplanetary exploration.
Learn more about the Alchemical Wizards from Book 2 and the elements they represent in the Magical Elements of the Periodic Table book series at magicalptelements.com.
