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Nanotechnology for Space Applications
April 14, 2003Ever more fastidious missions for the scientific investigation of space as well as the increasing use of satellite-based services require the development of more efficient, more economical and more resistant space technologies and systems in the future. A study of the VDI Technology Center on behalf of the German Aerospace Center points out, that nanotechnology could supply significant contributions and technological breakthroughs for the development of future space travel systems.
The study discusses and evaluates application possibilities of nanotechnology in space both for a short to medium-term time horizon and for long-term and visionary applications. Examples of more visionary applications of molecular nanotechnology in space are the raclamation of other planets by raw material extraction and material synthesis ("Terraforming"), the establishment of a space elevator on the basis of ultra strong nanomaterials or the extreme miniaturization and integration of space systems in the sense of a "flying chip".
Meanwhile however, various application potentials of nanotechnology appears also for a short to medium-term time range, which could lead to significant improvements within several areas of space technology, particularly lightweight construction and functional materials, improved systems and components for energy production and storage, data processing and transmission, sensor technology as well as life support systems. Appropriate research and development projects are already promoted in particular by NASA for some years with substantial funding.
On the other side, space could offer also potential spin offs as research instrument for nanotechnology. As example the utilization of the ISS to obtain relevant data on particle interactions or self organization phenomena under microgravity can be mentioned, which could be used for the modelling and the optimization of terrestrial processes within the range of nanotechnology.
VDI/VDE-Innovation + Technik GmbH
On the other side, space could offer also potential spin offs as research instrument for nanotechnology. As example the utilization of the ISS to obtain relevant data on particle interactions or self organization phenomena under microgravity can be mentioned, which could be used for the modelling and the optimization of terrestrial processes within the range of nanotechnology.
VDI/VDE-Innovation + Technik GmbH
Nanotechnology Current Events and Nanotechnology News RSSFindings show nanomedicine promising for treating spinal cord injuries
Researchers at Purdue University have discovered a new approach for repairing damaged nerve fibers in spinal cord injuries using nano-spheres that could be injected into the blood shortly after an accident.
Magnetic nanoparticles to simultaneously diagnose, monitor and treat
Whether it's magnetic nanoparticles (mNPs) giving an army of 'therapeutically armed' white blood cells direction to invade a deadly tumour's territory, or the use of mNPs to target specific nerve channels and induce nerve-led behaviour (such as the life-dependant thumping of our hearts), mNPs have come a long way in the past decade.
Breakthrough in industrial-scale nanotube processing
Rice University scientists today unveiled a method for the industrial-scale processing of pure carbon-nanotube fibers that could lead to revolutionary advances in materials science, power distribution and nanoelectronics.
An exquisite container
In campy old movies, Lucretia Borgia swans around emptying powder from her ring into wine glasses carelessly left unattended. The poison ring is usually a confection of gold filigree holding a cabochon or faceted gemstone that can be broken to empty the ring's contents. It is invariably enormous - so large it is rather odd nobody seems to notice it.
University of Cincinnati researchers create all-electric spintronics
A multidisciplinary team of UC researchers is the first to find an innovative and novel way to control an electron's spin orientation using purely electrical means.
Nanowire biocompatibility in the brain: So far so good
The biological safety of nanotechnology, in other words, how the body reacts to nanoparticles, is a hot topic. Researchers at Lund University in Sweden have managed for the first time to carry out successful experiments involving the injection of so-called 'nanowires.'
Synthetic cells shed biological insights while delivering battery power
Trying to understand the complex workings of a biological cell by teasing out the function of every molecule within it is a daunting task.
Berkeley Researchers Find New Route to Nano Self-Assembly
If the promise of nanotechnology is to be fulfilled, nanoparticles will have to be able to make something of themselves. An important advance towards this goal has been achieved by researchers with the U.S. Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) who have found a simple and yet powerfully robust way to induce nanoparticles to assemble themselves into complex arrays.
Harvard scientists bend nanowires into 2-D and 3-D structures
Taking nanomaterials to a new level of structural complexity, scientists have determined how to introduce kinks into arrow-straight nanowires, transforming them into zigzagging two- and three-dimensional structures with correspondingly advanced functions.
Advance in 'nano-agriculture': Tiny stuff has huge effect on plant growth
With potential adverse health and environmental effects often in the news about nanotechnology, scientists in Arkansas are reporting that carbon nanotubes (CNTs) could have beneficial effects in agriculture.
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