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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 RSSNew study confirms exotic electric properties of graphene
First, it was the soccer-ball-shaped molecules dubbed buckyballs. Then it was the cylindrically shaped nanotubes. Now, the hottest new material in physics and nanotechnology is graphene: a remarkably flat molecule made of carbon atoms arranged in hexagonal rings much like molecular chicken wire.
Behavior modification could ease concerns about nanoparticles
In an advance that could help ease health and environmental concerns about the emerging nanotechnology industry, scientists are reporting development of technology for changing the behavior of nanoparticles in municipal sewage treatment plants - their main gateway into the environment.
UT Knoxville and ORNL researchers turn algae into high-temperature hydrogen source
In the quest to make hydrogen as a clean alternative fuel source, researchers have been stymied about how to create usable hydrogen that is clean and sustainable without relying on an intensive, high-energy process that outweighs the benefits of not using petroleum to power vehicles.
Caltech scientists develop DNA origami nanoscale breadboards for carbon nanotube circuits
In work that someday may lead to the development of novel types of nanoscale electronic devices, an interdisciplinary team of researchers at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) has combined DNA's talent for self-assembly with the remarkable electronic properties of carbon nanotubes, thereby suggesting a solution to the long-standing problem of organizing carbon nanotubes into nanoscale electronic circuits.
New 'finFET' promising for smaller transistors, more powerful chips
Purdue University researchers are making progress in developing a new type of transistor that uses a finlike structure instead of the conventional flat design, possibly enabling engineers to create faster and more compact circuits and computer chips.
Findings 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.
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