Nanotechnology in Aerospace Engineering: CubeSats

In the aerospace industry, where grand rockets and colossal telescopes often steal the limelight, nanotechnology has silently assumed a pivotal role. At its core, nanotechnology involves manipulating matter at the atomic or molecular scale to craft devices and machines with unique properties. While it might seem worlds apart from the expansive cosmos, nanotech is progressively reshaping the aerospace realm, promising improved performance, efficiency, safety, and sustainability for aircraft, satellites, and rockets alike. A standout application of this miniature marvel is the CubeSat, a game-changer in space exploration.

The CubeSat, a tiny satellite no larger than a 10 cm cube and weighing just 1 kg, represents the adoption of nanotechnology in the aerospace sector. Born in the early 2000s as educational tools for universities and research institutions, these compact satellites began to be used in other spaces. Today, CubeSats are pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the field.

With their adaptable design, CubeSats validate emerging technologies, provide hands-on experience for budding aerospace engineers, and conduct a spectrum of space experiments with small scientific instruments.

In an exemplary demonstration of their potential, NASA incorporated CubeSats into the MarCO mission. These miniature satellites served as communication relays during the Insight Mars lander's 2018 touchdown, enabling the capture of breathtaking Martian imagery and the execution of radio science experiments. More than just experimental gadgets, CubeSats represent the democratization of space exploration, with their small size, cost-effectiveness, and scalability inviting participation from students, universities of all sizes, technology pioneers, and crowd-sourced initiatives.

CubeSats can also be used in constellations. Collaborative missions are their forte, where constellations of CubeSats engage in powerful observations, studying everything from Europa's icy shell to the distant enigmas of galactic nuclei and black holes. For more intricate tasks, a "hub" - a central spacecraft - controls CubeSat swarms, enhancing efficiency and reliability while keeping operations simple and affordable.

In conclusion, the future of aerospace engineering is being reshaped by these minuscule nano-satellites. Their remarkable range of functions and affordability is making them indispensable in the quest to unlock the mysteries of the cosmos. CubeSats are setting a new trajectory in aerospace, promising innovative and efficient solutions for space exploration.

References

1. https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/topics/cubesats
2. https://science.nasa.gov/solar-system/10-things-cubesats-going-farther/

Article by niademi ogundana