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[ellissj] 23/1/2019 07:43

Graphene flakes & boron nitride mentioned as advanced materials for future space applications. Best ellis

'Electronics - Micro-/NanotechnologySurviving Space: Dynamic Materials for Advanced Spacecraft.'

ByJenna Flogeras

Posted on January 9, 2019

"Satellites and spacecraft are mainly composed of light metallic alloys and composites that have a high specific strength (ratio of material strength to material density). This allows them to be shaped into light yet robust structures that can be safely launched to orbit and even delivered to distant planets, like Mars. As launching spacecraft becomes more affordable and satellites become more reliable, a profitable space economy is on the horizon.

However, in order to maximize spacecraft longevity and thus the chance of a successful mission, several factors must be taken into consideration. In space, there are no fueling stations or repair shops, and for interplanetary probes, no on-board crew who can maintain and control the spacecraft, so not much can be done in the event of a failure. Therefore, engineering spacecraft capable of self-controlled, self-adapting, and self-healing behavior to cope with the predictable and unpredictable challenges encountered in space is crucial.

These three key features—self-healing, dynamic adaptation, and multifunctionality—offer a “life raft” for spacecraft, ensuring survival and efficient operation under the rapidly changing conditions of space. Although there is already a rich diversity of approaches and material platforms that have one or more of these features, and some progress has already been made in which the basic principles of self-healing have been explored for alloys, composites, and polymers, significant progress is still required in order to apply dynamic self-healing materials to space technology.

In their essay in Advanced Materials, Igor Levchenko from Nanyang Technological University, Kateryna Bazaka from Queensland University of Technology, and their colleagues discuss the materials-driven development of current and future space technology in terms of these three key features, with a focus on space propulsion systems and small satellites.

The authors show how the existing platforms can be translated and integrated into space technology to provide novel capabilities for future spacecraft. For satellites, this means composite, nanomaterial, and metamaterial-based ultrathin solar cells and supercapacitors for all power units; ultralight, flexible, and printable electronic components; propellant tanks made of thin metal layers and carbon-nanotube-based fibers; robust, 3D-printed parts made from advanced polymers and metals for the satellite body; and self-healing materials for the chassis, antennas, and other critical components of the spacecraft.

A number of adjustments could also be made to optimize the performance of thruster systems, including nanodiamond coatings and boron nitride to reduce ion-flux-related wear and enhance discharge efficiency; cold cathodes composed of dense, ultrathin nanotubes, nanowires, and vertically oriented graphene flakes; and a magnetic system based on graphene.

The authors recognize that implementing these features is no trivial task.

The authors state, “Such dramatic space tech advances are what will create the potential for larger and more complicated efforts in near-Earth and deep space exploration, as well as help us transition to an innovative, digital global economy.”

[impvesta] 23/1/2019 07:42

Look forward to meeting fellow attendees at the 1pm session!

[hew] 23/1/2019 07:31

Rather surprised that no RNS this morning, given the Twitter hint that an update on the collabs would be part of the GEIC show. Can only assume that very little new will be disclosed.
Also surprised that I'm the only one so far to mention it here! So only a very few of us not attending?
Disappointed with Eventbrite waiting list operation. It didn't for me. The tickets available in the last couple of days were too late to make arrangements.

Have a good time to all those there.

[moljen] 23/1/2019 07:20

Tnx for all messages

[ridicule] 22/1/2019 23:22

Thanks pshevlin. Look forward to hearing what details may be forthcoming. Enjoy tomorrow!!

[spike_1] 22/1/2019 22:55

Good for you Mo!
Have a really good day - both of you!

[moljen] 22/1/2019 21:42

Thanks for all the messages - taking Mum instead so as it isn't wasted .... ex physics teacher and ultimate cynic. They may wish EB or LL were attending instead if she starts asking questions

[hoverflyman] 22/1/2019 21:37

Moljen, thx for offer of ticket, now busy tomorrow having ineptly struggled to obtain a ticket previously, compounded by Eventbrite’s misleading advice. Any feedback gratefully received including if possible how to make sense of figures for surface area and density on Nanene’s datasheet. Have a great day lucky people!!

[1teepee] 22/1/2019 20:45

It's Ian gray (cbe)

[tini5] 22/1/2019 20:44

You can cancel your ticket via eventbrite which will make it available to someone on the waiting list.

[1teepee] 22/1/2019 20:00

So what's the "very large company"?

[whiteslice] 22/1/2019 19:45

Moljen - thanks for making the ticket available, hopefully someone will pick it up. Having waited for a ticket via the Eventbrite waiting list and nothing forthcoming as of a few days ago - I reluctantly booked work appointments in for tomorrow which I can't now shift.
Look forward to reading feedback over the coming days.

[redchef] 22/1/2019 19:35

I wouldn't say the volume was high today but it's significantly higher than the last few days

[pshevlin] 22/1/2019 19:25

Already sent Neill that question ridicule and will ask it tomorrow.

[ellissj] 22/1/2019 19:20

Peter jay sounds ideal for such a mammoth task. He's a mandarin speaker too. It's easy to forget the calibre of the team neill has assembled around him. It can get lost in noise and froth ;) aimo. Best ellis

Matt Walker @MattWal79512221

Replying to @JimmyMorrisUK

"It’s to work with me. Peter has extensive global ODI, business development and HMG experience so we are adding to our capability."

3:13 PM · Aug 15, 2018

[moljen] 22/1/2019 19:13

Still have a spare ticket available for tomorrow's afternoon session - PM to arrange

[ellissj] 22/1/2019 19:12

Woody, Thx for yr notes. That's alot of collab testing ! Hopefully intended for geic collabs too :) imo best ellis

[1teepee] 22/1/2019 19:08

A very long handle indeed, longer the better, but not too long

[ellissj] 22/1/2019 18:47

It's herald in zoo. (Click on significant shareholders link) Wonder if they still hold any vrs ? And if so, they did some profit taking to rebalance their portfolio today ? Imo. Best ellis

"Herald Investment Management Ltd.
8,617,011 (shares)"

[ellissj] 22/1/2019 18:38

While at the id-tech show cali. Best ellis

David Kerr @DFK007

"Total commitment from @Nanosteve1 taking a conference call at midnight Pacific Time, connecting with European partners."

7:55 AM · Nov 16, 2018

[woodpeckers] 22/1/2019 18:27

ridicule, agree we perhaps should ask the question though if my memory serves me right, Neill said at the AGM and on other occasions that they have scaling up in hand.

I think we, as PIs, are behind on what our supply capabilities are. I get the impression things are changing pretty quickly in that regard. According to my notes Neill certainly said at the AGM that "they are building production capacity to meet the needs of testing, 3T would certainly not be enough when it comes to proper orders" ...well if we're right about AECOM, he knows that orders are coming so I don't see him not having plans in place....

Also from my notes from the AGM, they are "forming a JV with the machine manufacturer to get a production line in place ready for when bigger scale production is needed - the supplier will be locked out from supplying other customers for 2 years."

[ellissj] 22/1/2019 18:21

A Solid, considered and careful strategy in the best interests of the company, for it's long term success and thus it's shareholders. Patience reqd. Aimo. Best ellis.

Matt Walker @MattWal79512221

Replying to

@neillricketts and @EasyBrent

"Yes... PJ is all over the next phase; and I think his previous experience provides an explanation as to how different things are in China to, say, how it works within the USA. Market entry has to be perfect for the company and also for investors. Timing is more key than speed."

1:24 PM · Aug 16, 2018

[ellissj] 22/1/2019 18:15

This was china in october ! Best ellis

Matt Walker @MattWal79512221

Replying to

@Sonnyji88802602
@neillricketts
and
@PeterJVRS

"the activity has never stopped in China. In fact, it has increased 50 fold. As I keep telling people, we are dealing with a Super Power and there will only be a deal when/if we get EXACTLY what we want, which includes careful forward planning."

4:34 PM · Oct 8, 2018