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Why is titanium used in spacecraft and missiles?

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A periodic table element tile for titanium displays its atomic number 22, symbol Ti, atomic weight 47.867, electron configuration, and name. Icons indicate it is a solid, transition metal with a hexagonal crystal structure and equal relative strength. — titanium Properties of titanium.

Titanium is widely used in the construction of spacecraft and missiles primarily due to its unique combination of high strength, low density, and excellent corrosion resistance.12

Because it is quite light compared to other metals with similar mechanical and thermal properties, titanium provides an ideal strength-to-weight ratio for aerospace applications. This allows for the development of high-performance components that can withstand significant stress while minimizing overall weight. Furthermore, its ability to maintain structural integrity in various environments—aided by the formation of a passive oxide surface film—ensures durability in the demanding conditions encountered by spacecraft and missiles.132