The NASA Strategic Plan identifies the long-term goal to provide safe and affordable space access, orbital transfer, and interplanetary transportation capabilities to enable research, human exploration, and the commercial development of space; and to conduct human and robotic missions to planets and other bodies in our solar system. Numerous scientific and engineering breakthroughs will be required to develop the technology necessary to achieve this goal. Critical technologies include advanced vehicle primary and secondary structure, radiation protection, propulsion and power systems, fuel storage, electronics and devices, sensors and science instruments, and medical diagnostics and treatment. Advanced materials with revolutionary new capabilities are an essential element of each of these technologies. This paper discusses those materials best suited for aerospace vehicle structure and highlights the enormous potential of one revolutionary new material, carbon nanotubes.


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    Title :

    A Revolution in the Making: Advances in Materials That May Transform Future Exploration Infrastructures and Missions


    Contributors:

    Conference:

    AIAA Space 2001 Conference and Exposition ; 2001 ; Albuquerque, NM, United States


    Publication date :

    2001-01-27


    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English