Graphene is abundant and useful in space

Long put forward as a wonder material, graphene undeniably has astounding properties – stronger than steel, a better electrical conductor than copper, and lighter than almost anything else with similar properties – and while it has been partially adopted into space-faring technologies, many theoretical uses remain where a pure form of the material could dramatically benefit a future in the stars.

To detail those opportunities, a group of scientists from the Italian Space Agency recently released a paper in Nanomaterials that look at graphene's role in space exploration and where it might stand to make an even bigger impact sooner rather than later.

Titled "From Protosolar Space to Space Exploration: The Role of Graphene in Space Technology and Economy," the paper delves into the current analyses of graphene-based materials and devices for use in space.

The primary goal of the paper was to summarize emerging research studies, contextualize promising findings, and discuss underway strategies to address some specific space-related problems.

Detailing production methodologies, ideal composites, and problem areas, ISA broke down constituent aspects of graphene's market in a comprehensive paper that, although not easily consumed, is well prepared in outlining where the world stands currently with graphene.

However, the largest question posed is what was hindering graphene's widespread adoption to the larger market to be fully realized for space travel.

What is holding graphene back?

When considering interstellar travel, one of the largest factors for cosmic development is localization, as current technologies make shipping things into space costly. Thankfully, research has shown that up to 1.9% of interstellar carbon is made of graphene.

Naturally occurring from the destructive process of a star blinking out of existence, the remnant energies and matter fling throughout the cosmos. Unfortunately, recreating supernovae isn't a particularly easy feat on Earth, and creating graphene on the homeworld is not easy either – at least not at a scale necessary for its full material properties to be fully benefitted.

Nevertheless, a little graphene added goes a long way.

Typically, engineers combine graphene with different metals and polymers for space applications, giving rise to a class of materials called nanocomposites.

Even a tiny amount of this wonder material can have significant positive benefits for the resulting composite – whether increasing its thermal conductivity or stiffness. Some of these composites can even be implemented in sensors, with their output controlling things like rocket positioning.

Other use cases, like solar sails, antennas, and anti-wear systems, show how versatile and dominant graphene can be in revolutionizing space travel. However, what is truly the hang-up?

Ultimately, there remains production constraints to produce more of this material and with the quality necessary to be safe in sending Man into the stars.

With various research institutes, private companies, and national labs compounding their knowledge on a broad scale, the finessing needed to grasp the exact process for mass production grows closer each day.

As with so many other areas of scientific research lately, China is leading the charge in developing that methodology.

According to the researchers, China controls 71% of the global patents on graphene, and eight of the top 10 universities researching graphene are located in the country. China also has a robust space program, but its space economy is not as well developed as the US or EU, so it may take a while before any advancements in the country are more widely adopted into the space industry.

So, while the world has backtracked to fill in the void of lacking critical minerals domestically, China once again appears to be heading toward a future where graphene will dominate and will be nearly solely provided by the Middle Kingdom.