I - 7.1

Developments in Nanotechnology and Implications for Future Atmospheric Entry Probes

J.O. Arnold , E. Venkatapathy

NASA Ames Research Center, Mail Stop 229-3, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA.

email: jarnold@mail.arc.nasa.gov

Two elements which portend an exciting future for scientists involved in Solar System Exploration are reviewed: A blueprint for science needs outlined in the exhaustive National Research Council (NRC) "New Frontiers" Report, published in July, 2002 and a forecast of remarkable advances in sensors and electronic devices to come from the emerging field of nanotechnology. The New Frontiers report calls for greatly increased science measurement capability e.g., less mass and power requirements for electronics and sensors along with improved sensitivity and robustness against harsh radiation and chemical environments. In cosmochemistry, atmospheric planetary science requires reliable information, beyond that available today, on volatiles including H₂O, NH₃, CH₄, SO₂, CO₂, H₂S, SO₂; H, He, O, C, N S and their isotopes. New data on noble gases and their isotopes is also required. Examples of advances, already demonstrated, for nanosensors and nanoelectronics that can meet the new, demanding science needs are outlined. A look to the future for even more powerful nanotechnologies is included. Technology drivers for much smaller atmospheric entry probes enabled by nanotechnology and implications for new classes of atmospheric probe missions are addressed. Finally, it is recommended that scientists securing data from aircraft in the Earth's atmosphere adopt the new nanotechnologies as a way to hasten their use for Solar System Exploration.