Nanotechnology in space economy

The global nanotechnology market is expected to exceed a net value of approximately $124 billion by 2024 and to have a CAGR of around 17% between 2018 and 2025. Nanotechnologies are typically considered emerging systems with performance payoffs in the far future; however, several of these technologies have already proven to be beneficial in applications relevant to the space sector. Thanks to their significant transversal impact, nanotechnologies can be widely applied and could have a disruptive impact across many space segments such as launchers, satellite manufacturing and services, ground segment, etc. For these reasons, in this chapter, we would like to explore in more detail the synergies between nanotechnologies and the space domain. Starting from the results of a previous study on nanotechnologies in space applications concluded in 2010, we here explore the additional and most recent evolutions with a specific focus on patents and market trends. This type of data is useful to assess the technological trends and maturity reached.