NASA Nanotechnology Tested in Orbit

NASA scientists announced Monday the successful testing of the first nanotechnology-based electronic device to fly in space.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration researchers said the test showed the nanosensor could monitor trace gases inside a spaceship. That technology might lead to smaller, more capable environmental monitors and smoke detectors in future crew habitats.

The nanosensor worked successfully in space, said Jing Li, a scientist at NASA’s Ames Research Center and the principal investigator for the test. We demonstrated that nanosensors can survive in space conditions and the extreme vibrations and gravity change that occur during launch.

On long missions in space, harmful chemical contaminants might build up gradually in the crew’s air supply. NASA said such nanosensors will be able to detect minute amounts of such contaminants and alert the crew to a potential problem.

The goal of the experiment was to prove nanosensors made of tiny carbon nanotubes coated with sensing materials could withstand the rigors of space flight. Li’s experiment also helped scientists learn how well a nanosensor could endure microgravity, heat and cosmic radiation in space.

The test was conducted aboard the midSTAR-1 satellite May 24.