Quantum Leap: Materials for Spacecraft of Tomorrow
Beyond Aluminum and Titanium: How Quantum Materials Could Revolutionize Spacecraft Space exploration is at an exciting juncture. As we push further into the cosmos, our spacecraft need to be lighter, stronger, more resilient, and capable of withstanding the harsh realities of space travel. Enter quantum materials science – a field that could fundamentally change the way we build spacecraft. Traditional materials like aluminum and titanium have served us well, but they have limitations. They are heavy, susceptible to radiation damage, and struggle to maintain structural integrity in extreme temperatures. Quantum materials, however, possess unique properties at the atomic level that could overcome these challenges. What Makes Quantum Materials So Special? Quantum materials exhibit unusual behaviors due to the quantum mechanical...