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Nanotechnology is the creation of functional materials, devices and systems through control of matter on the nanometer length scale (1-100 nanometers), and exploitation of novel phenomena and properties (physical, chemical, biological, mechanical, electrical...) at that length scale. For comparison, 10 nanometers is 1000 times smaller than the diameter of a human hair. A scientific and technical revolution has just begun based upon the ability to systematically organize and manipulate matter at nanoscale. Payoff is anticipated within the next 10-15 years.
Why Nanotechnology at NASA?
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Advanced miniaturization is a key thrust area to enable new science and exploration missions |
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Ultrasmall sensors, power sources, communication, navigation, and propulsion systems with very low mass, volume and power consumption are needed |
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Revolutions in electronics and computing will allow reconfigurable, autonomous, "thinking" spacecraft |
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Nanotechnology presents a whole new spectrum of opportunities to build device components and systems for entirely new space architectures |
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Networks of ultrasmall probes on planetary surfaces |
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Micro-rovers that drive, hop, fly, and burrow |
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Collection of microspacecraft making a variety of measurements |
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