Aeronautics & Space

Graphene for aeronautics and space applications

Graphene and related materials show great promise for aeronautics and space applications, and are already being tested thanks to the innovative research carried out by Graphene Flagship partners. Our most recent results clearly suggest that graphene will be a true revolution in these fields.

Our Champions

Our Graphene Flagship Aeronautics and Space Champions were recently appointed by the Management Panel to drive innovation in these fields and coordinate the projects and missions that will bring graphene to the forefront of aerospace technologies.

Our Champions are available to answer media or business development inquiries related to aeronautics and space technologies and innovations.

Dr Carlo S. Iorio	Dr Elmar Bonaccurso
Graphene Flagship Space Champion Senior Researcher, Université Libre de Bruxelles	Graphene Flagship Aeronautics Champion Senior Scientist, Airbus

Aeronautics

Leading Graphene Flagship partners such as Airbus, Lufthansa Technik and Leonardo have demonstrated the possibilities of graphene and related 2D materials in aeronautics. Graphene improves the mechanical properties of plane parts, enabling their construction to be thinner and lighter, while maintaining or improving functionality. This results in significant fuel savings, reducing costs and greenhouse gas emissions.

Graphene will also lead manufacturers towards producing safer aircrafts – one of the the original spearhead projects funded by the Graphene Flagship, GICE, will develop graphene-based thermoelectric ice protection systems. These new devices will keep aircraft parts ice free without affecting aerodynamic properties, leading to safer and more environmentally friendly flights.

Learn more about the GICE Spearhead Project

Space

Graphene's properties make the material ideal for a myriad of applications in human space exploration. This is one of the reasons behind our joint ESA – Graphene Flagship workshop, which has been organised during Graphene Week for two consecutive years so far.

From lighter parts for our spacecrafts, to new biomaterials for better wound healing in outer space, the possibilities of graphene are limitless. Some prototypes have already been tested in different zero-gravity parabolic flight campaigns, which have led to the graphene-enabled devices such as loop-heat pipes – fundamental in cooling systems in space – and solar sails – key to spacecraft fuel-free propulsion systems.