When it comes to taking the next “giant leap” in space exploration, NASA is thinking small — really small – really, really small. In this NASA Now program, Dr. Mike Oye describes how researchers can deliberately order and structure matter at the molecular level to watch amazing new properties emerge.
Dr. Oye is developing applications for energy-harvesting nanowires. Nanowires could be woven into special clothing for an astronaut. As the astronaut moves around, the tiny nanowires within the clothing collect charges produced by the mechanical vibrations of the astronaut’s movement. The resulting electricity can be used to power equipment aboard a spacecraft.
Link to the NES Virtual Campus home page.
NASA Now Minute: Nanotechnology and Space