Disruption in Space System Design

<p>The 2007 State of the Future lists Nanotechnologies as one of five emerging advancements that are likely to have the most positive economic impact over the next 25 years. The carbon nanotube (CNT) a specific nanotechnology possesses several key attributes including high strength and reduced weight to name a few. CNTs present the military with exponential advantage in structures and component materials. Also CNTs will drive a shift from the current large satellite paradigm to small system paradigm. This shift will improve access to space and protect space systems from both a space environment and anti-satellite (ASAT) threat perspective. The current paradigm pushes designers to produce larger and more capable satellite systems. This paradigm also drives the need for larger more expensive launch systems. A new smaller satellite design paradigm should be embraced where the US leverages nanotechnology to increase US satellite technological advantage and field more capable systems at less cost. Before CNTs can be effectively used in space structures and components various technical challenges must be overcome.</p><p>This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore you will see the original copyright references library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world) and other notations in the work.</p><p>This work is in the public domain in the United States of America and possibly other nations. Within the United States you may freely copy and distribute this work as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.</p><p>As a reproduction of a historical artifact this work may contain missing or blurred pages poor pictures errant marks etc. Scholars believe and we concur that this work is important enough to be preserved reproduced and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.</p>