Nanotechnology for Space Applications

NANO TECH

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.

Duesseldorf - Apr 22, 2003
Ever 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.

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.

The study "Application of Nanotechnology in Space Developments and Systems" (Future Technologies No. 43 EN, April 2003, ISSN 1436-5928) is now available from the VDI Technology Center free of charge.

NANO TECH

Gallium Nitride Yields Optically Active Nanotubes

Berkeley - Apr 15, 2003
Nanowires and carbon nanotubes, each with their pluses and minuses, are advertised as the next-generation building blocks for electronic circuits a thousand times smaller than today's semiconductor circuits.

SUPERPOWERS US Warned Not To Ignore Chinese Military Advances	NUKEWARS The Ultimate Weapon New Age Nukes Set To Bust The Bunker of MAD Pakistan, India In Tit-For-Tat Missile Tests Successful Launch of Minuteman III ICBM Do Art On A Mass Scale
MISSILE NEWS Manpower Reductions Planned Throughout Space Command Northrop Grumman To Design Radar For Multi-Sensor Command And Control Aircraft Air-to-Air Missile Market to Generate $12 Billion in Sales Through 2012 Missile Shield Will Start From Pacific Testbed	MISSILE DEFENSE Lockheed Martin To Study Big Target Rocket Concepts Missiles In "Position" As India Mulls Further Action Against Pakistan Abm Pullout: The Phonecall That Soured Putin's Year. Or Did It? US Official Defends Plans for Missile Defense Despite Test Failure
AEROSPACE Aurora Builds Low-speed Wind Tunnel Yeager To Retire From Military Flying After October Airshow Yeager To Retire From Military Flying After October Airshow Boeing Signs Technology Development Agreement With JAI For Work On Sonic Cruiser	UAV NEWS Operational Concept For Naval Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle Unveiled Marines Take Control Of Fire Scout UAV Test Hunter UAV Scores Direct Hit With Viper Strike Munition UAV Collision-Avoidance Flight Demonstrations Scheduled
IRAQ WARS	MILTECH

The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2006 - SpaceDaily.AFP and UPI Wire Stories are copyright Agence France-Presse and United Press International. ESA PortalReports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additionalcopyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement,agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by SpaceDaily on any Web page published or hosted by SpaceDaily. Privacy Statement