About this Research Topic

Background

The next generation of materials for space applications will need to meet a range of requirements including extended durability, radiation resistance, lightweight, and high strength. Moreover, it is aimed at more sustainable and demisable materials. They will also likely involve the development of advanced composites, nanomaterials, and smart materials. Such as:

• Advanced composites: Composite materials are already used extensively in space applications due to their lightweight, high strength, and durability. However, the next generation of composite materials will be even more advanced, incorporating new types of fibres and resins that can withstand extreme temperatures and radiation levels.

• Nanomaterials: Nanotechnology is expected to play a significant role in the development of new space materials. For example, carbon nanotubes could be used to make stronger and lighter spacecraft structures, while nanoscale sensors and actuators could help spacecraft autonomously adapt to changing conditions in space.

• Smart materials: Smart materials, which can respond to changes in their environment, could be used to improve the performance and safety of spacecraft. For example, shape memory alloys could be used to create self-deploying structures, while piezoelectric materials could be used to generate power from vibrations.

Overall, the next generation of materials for space applications will need to be innovative, highly functional, and tailored to meet the specific requirements of space travel and exploration. Ongoing research and development in materials science will be critical in making progress toward these goals and delivering candidate materials that could be verified further for space applications.

Therefore, this research topic will aim to gather high-quality articles dealing with these potential materials that could be used in the future in space applications. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Carbon nanotubes: These are one of the strongest materials known and have potential for use in space elevators or as a building material for space stations due to their high strength-to-weight ratio.

• Graphene: This material is extremely lightweight and strong, and can also conduct electricity. It could be used in space-based solar panels or as a material for radiation shielding.

• Metal foams: These materials are lightweight and strong, and can also absorb energy from impacts. They could be used as a structural material for spacecraft or habitats.

• Aerogels: These materials are extremely lightweight and have high insulating properties. They could be used as insulation for spacecraft or as a material for thermal protection systems.

• Self-healing materials: These materials have the ability to repair themselves after being damaged. This could be useful for spacecraft and habitats to reduce maintenance needs.

• Bio-inspired materials: Scientists are studying materials found in nature, such as shells and bones, for inspiration in developing new materials. These materials could have unique properties that could be useful in space applications.

• 3D-printed materials: 3D printing technology has the potential to create complex structures with unique properties, allowing for customized solutions for space applications.

• Smart materials: These materials can respond to external stimulus such as temperature or electric/magnetic fields

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Space materials, Next generation, Advanced composites, Nanomaterials, Smart materials, Carbon nanotubes, Graphene, Metal foams, Aerogels, Self healing materials, Bio-inspired materials, 3D printed materials

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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