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Versilant Nanotechnologies Teams with NASA to Develop the Future of Space Exploration


Versilant Nanotechnologies LLC has been awarded a NASA SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) contract to develop advanced materials for future spacecraft using nanotechnology applications.

Researchers from Versilant will partner with NASA counterparts at the Johnson Space Center in Houston to explore the exciting opportunities presented by nanotechnology in material development and manufacturing.

"Nanotechnology will impact almost every aspect of our lives. The only question is when?" said Dr. Cynthia Kuper, Versilant's president.

"The answer depends on the ability to fabricate nanotechnology materials more easily than possible now and turning them into useful products," Kuper said.

Nanotechnology is the science of manipulating matter at the molecular level in order to build larger structures with precision. Possible applications for nanotechnology include lighter and stronger spacecraft that could even repair themselves. Versilant plans to develop carbon nanotubes and then diversify into other areas of nanotechnology as they become commercially viable.

This carbon nanotube-based material would resemble a super strong and lightweight fabric. It could be used in applications including sporting goods and cookware along with the aerospace, avionics, and automotive industries.

The space agency awarded Versilant an SBIR contract to begin nanotechnology development geared towards ultra lightweight structures and composites. The goal is to bring the materials to a prototype manufacturing level in 2 1/2 years.

Versilant is a Philadelphia-based company taking nanotechnology concepts from the laboratory to the marketplace.