From Protosolar Space to Space Exploration: The Role of Graphene in Space Technology and Economy

Abstract

This paper aims to analyse the state-of-the-art of graphene-based materials and devices designed for use in space. The goal is to summarise emerging research studies, contextualise promising findings, and discuss underway strategies to address some specific space-related problems. To complete our overview of graphene-based technology and address the relevance of graphene in the wide scenario of the space economy, we also provide an analysis of worldwide patents and the scientific literature for aerospace applications in the period 2010–2021. We analysed global trends, country distributions, top assignees, and funding sponsors, evidencing a general increase for the period considered. These indicators, integrated with market information, provide a clear evaluation of the related technology trends and readiness levels.

Unveiling the Influential Factors and Heavy Industrial Applications of Graphene Hybrid Polymer Composites

“…Graphene-based hybrid composites offer impressive radiation shielding, mechanical strength, and thermal stability to manufacture spacecraft components that are orientated to unforgiving space environments. However, utilizing the full potential of these composites encounters issues like cost-effectiveness, regulatory compliance, scalability, and standardized practices [81,82].…”

Advancements in Graphene-Based Hybrid Filler Polymer Composites: A Comprehensive Survey of Processing, Properties, and Influential Factors

“…Graphene-based hybrid composites offer impressive radiation shielding, mechanical strength, and thermal stability to manufacture spacecraft components orientated for unforgiving space environments. However, utilizing the full potential of these composites encounters issues like cost-effectiveness, regulatory compliance, scalability, and standardized practices [110,111].…”

Unveiling the Influential Factors and Heavy Industrial Applications of Graphene Hybrid Polymer Composites

“…Graphene-based hybrid composites offer impressive radiation shielding, mechanical strength, and thermal stability, enabling the manufacture of spacecraft components that are oriented to unforgiving space environments. However, utilizing the full potential of these composites encounters issues such as cost-effectiveness, regulatory compliance, scalability, and standardized practices [93,94]. Öztürkmen et al [95] prepared GNPs/hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN)/epoxy nanocomposites by integration of GNPs and h-BN into an aerospace-grade epoxy resin via three-roll milling to achieve significantly improved nanocomposite properties.…”