Handbook of Space Materials

Scientific and technological advancements are leading to developments and innovations in space exploration. Space travel requires the development of materials that can withstand unique and demanding requirements. Handbook of Space Materials: Emerging Materials and Future Technologies charts the cutting edge of astronautical material innovation and humanity’s permanent off-world presence.• Discusses emerging material classes: low-dimensional carbon materials and 2D carbides, elastic ceramic aerogels for extreme-condition thermal insulation, composite structural supercapacitors, solid oxide electrolyte materials for solid-state batteries, and pressure-responsive metal halide perovskites for extreme environment sensing.• Explores how artificial intelligence is accelerating the discovery and development of high-entropy materials for deep-space missions.• Concludes with forward-looking future technologies, including the construction of lunar bases using in-situ resources and the design of the first human lunar micro-ecosystems, technologies that will define humanity’s long-term expansion beyond Earth.This definitive reference is aimed at advanced students, researchers, and engineers engaged in astronautical projects. Written by experts from across the disciplines of materials, mechanical, aerospace, and related fields of engineering, it provides readers with a broad understanding of the current and near future materials technologies that will propel space travel and missions forward.