Why are gold coatings used on satellites and space-suit visors?

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A diagram showing the periodic table entry for gold, with the symbol Au, atomic number 79, atomic weight 196.96657, electron configuration, and labels for its properties as a solid transition metal with a face-centered cubic crystal structure. — gold The precious metal gold is a chemical element with the symbol Au. Its square on the periodic table details some of its properties, including its atomic weight, atomic number, and crystal structure.

Gold coatings are utilized on satellites and space-suit visors primarily because of their ability to reflect up to 98 percent of incident infrared radiation.

On satellites, this reflective property is employed to help control temperature, while on space-suit visors, the gold film serves to provide essential protection for the wearer.1