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Molecular Nanotechnology and Space SettlementAtomically precise manipulation of matter is becoming increasingly common in laboratories around the world. As this control moves into aerospace systems, huge improvements in computers, high-strength materials, and other systems are expected. For example, studies suggest that it may be possible to build: 10(exp 18) MIPS computers, 10(exp 15) bytes/sq cm write once memory, $153-412/kg-of-cargo single- stage-to-orbit launch vehicles and active materials which sense their environment and react intelligently. All of NASA's enterprises should benefit significantly from molecular nanotechnology. Although the time may be measured in decades and the precise path to molecular nanotechnology is unclear, all paths (diamondoid, fullerene, self-assembly, biomolecular, etc.) will require very substantial computation. This talk will discuss fullerene nanotechnology and early work on hypothetical active materials consisting of large numbers of identical machines. The speaker will also discuss aerospace applications, particularly missions leading to widespread space settlement (e.g., small near-Earth - object retrieval). It is interesting to note that control of the tiny - individual atoms and molecules - may lead to colonization of the huge -first the solar system, then the galaxy.
Document ID
20020054238
Acquisition Source
Ames Research Center
Document Type
Preprint (Draft being sent to journal)
Authors
Globus, Al
(MRJ, Inc. Moffett Field, CA United States)
Saini, Subhash
Date Acquired
August 20, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1998
Subject Category
Solid-State Physics
Meeting Information
Meeting: Center for Integrated Space Microsystems Seminar Series
Location: Pasadena, CA
Country: United States
Start Date: February 27, 1998
Sponsors: Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech.
Funding Number(s)
PROJECT: RTOP 519-40-12
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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