  Future human-based exploration of our solar system requires the invention of
materials that can resist harsh environments. Age-hardenable aluminium alloys
would be attractive candidates for structural components in long-distance
spacecrafts, but their radiation resistance to solar energetic particles is
insufficient. Common hardening phases dissolve and displacement damage occurs
in the alloy matrix, which strongly degrades properties. Here we present an
alloy where hardening is achieved by T-phase, featuring a giant unit cell and
highly-negative enthalpy of formation. The phase shows record radiation
survivability and can stabilize an ultrafine-grained structure upon temperature
and radiation in the alloy, therby successfully preventing displacement damage
to occur. Such concept can be considered ideal for the next-generation space
materials and the design of radiation resistant alloy.
