How Nanotechnology Can Impact Space Travel and Exploration

Nanotechnology will play a big role in future space missions and challenges, here are a few examples of how nanotechnology will impact space travel and exploration.

Propulsion Systems

Rocket engines today rely on chemical propulsion. All current spacecraft use a form of rocket to launch, but scientists are researching new methods of space propulsion systems, such as electric propulsion. Electric propulsion systems instead of chemicals would significantly reduce the required propellant mass compared to conventional chemical rockets.

Using an EP system would allow an increase in payload capacity, as well as decreasing a spacecraft’s launch mass.

Radiation Shielding

The risks of exposure to space radiation is the most significant factor that limits human ability to participate in long term space missions. Advanced nanomaterials such as the newly developed, isotopically enriched boron nanotubes could pave the path to future spacecraft with nanosensor-integrated hulls that provide effective radiation shielding as well as energy storage.

These advanced nanomaterials would mean the possibilities of space exploration would widely broaden as the risk of space radiation would significantly decrease.

Space Elevator

As wacky as this sounds, there is an annual space elevator conference to discuss building the biggest elevator to exist which would transport you to space. A Japanese construction firm has even announced plans to build the first elevator by 2050.

The elevator would be built upon carbon nanotubes, and would be around 62,000 miles long in order to reach space. At the end of the elevator would be a weight that would hang in outer space and act as a terminal.

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