Nanosensors in Space

20 June 2007

Nanotechnology has made the leap from the super small to the super large, as NASA recently announced the successful orbit of the first Nanotechnology-based device, a nanosensor on the payload of midSTAR-1 satellite on May 24. This device, dubbed the Nano ChemSensor Unit, successfully monitored gases inside the spaceship, paving the way for more durable smoke detectors that can withstand the rigors of outer space.

Some of these rigors include gravity fluctuations and the vibrations that take place during launch, in addition to cosmic rays and heat. In addition, a functional nanosensor could provide added insurance by providing detection against possible contamination of a crew’s air supply.

The nanosensors were made of carbon nanotubes coated with sensing materials; the types of materials used match the kind of chemicals scientists want to detect. Nitrogen gas was added in the mix with the chemicals, and as various chemicals made contact with the sensor, there registered a corresponding decrease or increase in electrical fluctuations. The chip used consisted of 34 nanosensors and proves to be less costly and more reliable than other comparable devices. Nanosensor devices of this sort have already been built to detect a variety of compounds and gases, and NASA’s successful space test will ensure that more research will be done to develop sensors that make space flight safer than ever before.

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