Nanotechnology is the creation of functional materials, devices and systems through control of matter on the nanometer length scale (1-100 nanometers), and exploitation of novel phenomena and properties (physical, chemical, biological, mechanical, electrical...) at that length scale. For comparison, 10 nanometers is 1000 times smaller than the diameter of a human hair. A scientific and technical revolution has just begun based upon the ability to systematically organize and manipulate matter at nanoscale. Payoff is anticipated within the next 10-15 years.

Why Nanotechnology at NASA?

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Graphic bullet Advanced miniaturization is a key thrust area to enable new science and exploration missions
- Ultrasmall sensors, power sources, communication, navigation, and propulsion systems with very low mass, volume and power consumption are needed
Graphic bullet Revolutions in electronics and computing will allow reconfigurable, autonomous, "thinking" spacecraft
Graphic bullet Nanotechnology presents a whole new spectrum of opportunities to build device components and systems for entirely new space architectures
- Networks of ultrasmall probes on planetary surfaces
- Micro-rovers that drive, hop, fly, and burrow
- Collection of microspacecraft making a variety of measurements
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This is a picture of protein nanotubes
This is a computer generated picture of a future nanogear
This is a visual representation showing that nanoelectronics and computing, sensors, and structural materials overlap
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