Graphene Flagship to pilot space products

The EU-backed Graphene Flagship, a large-scale initiative to bring graphene-based products to market, is to look to space for potential applications.

Two space-based experiments have been approved under the Flagship, according to Horizon 2020 Magazine. The first experiment will examine whether graphene coatings can improve the efficiency of loop heat pipes, which are found in satellite cooling systems. The second will observe how graphene could be used as a material for space sails.

The two projects demonstrate the breadth of the Graphene Flagship, its director Jari Kinaret told the magazine. “The loop heat pipe project is targeting a specific application, while the light sail project is firmly linked to basic research.”