2025 MRS Fall Meeting & Exhibit

Symposium GI01-Advances in Space Materials Research

This symposium provides a platform for researchers and experts to present cutting-edge findings aimed at advancing the understanding and utilization of materials for the often unique and always demanding applications found in space exploration. It provides a comprehensive overview of the current state-of-the-art, discusses future challenges and opportunities, and will inspire new collaborations in this truly muti-disciplinary field. This symposium will encompass various aspects of space materials, including but not limited to the development of novel materials for extreme space conditions, spacecraft construction, habitats, and space electronics. From pioneering materials design to state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques and characterizations, the symposium highlights the pivotal role of materials science in enabling space exploration. It brings together researchers from diverse backgrounds to delve into recent advancements and breakthroughs, discussing material behavior under extreme conditions and investigating the potential of cutting-edge additive manufacturing and other techniques for in-space fabrication. By fostering knowledge exchange, this symposium aims to propel the field of space materials science forward, paving the way for future innovations that will enable space exploration. The symposium also includes presentations on multifunctional aerospace materials, novel materials for extreme space applications, lightweight materials and space electronics and optics.

Topics will include:

In-space manufacturing and additive manufacturing in a space environment
Advanced composites and polymers for thermal and radiation protection
Materials testing and simulation for space conditions
Space electronics and photonics
Designing materials for reusability and recyclability in space missions
The application and testing of ultralightweight materials for space-based applications
High conductivity alloys and refractory metals for spacecraft propulsion systems and space nuclear power applications
Materials capable of surviving extreme (Venusian and other) environments
Thermal management systems including phase change materials for thermal regulation
In-situ resource utilization for manufacturing of materials and structures on the Moon and Mars
Protective Coatings for Spacecraft and Satellites (thermal, radiation, anti-abrasion, anti-corrosion, reflective and absorptive)
Energy storage materials and power generation for space applications
Materials for use in surface fission power
Electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials for aerospace applications
Mirrors for space telescopes

Invited Speakers:

Arvind Agarwal (Florida International University, USA)
Amit Bandyopadhyay (Washington State University, USA)
Kim DeGroh (NASA Glenn Research Center, USA)
Martha Gilmore (Wesleyan University, USA)
Gary Hunter (NASA Glenn Research Center, USA)
Stefan Kaierle (Laser Zentrum Hannover, Germany)
Yugo Kimoto (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, Japan)
Igor Levchenko (Nanyang Technological University, Singapore)
Ren Liu (Jiangnan University, China)
Nisa Salim (Swinburne University of Technology, Australia)
Diletta Sciti (Institute of Science, Technology and Sustainability for Ceramics, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Italy)
Debby Senski (Stanford University, USA)
Ravi Silva (University of Surrey, United Kingdom)
Edwin Tao (Nanyang Technological University, Singapore)
Tommaso Tommaso Ghidini (European Space Agency, Netherlands)
Stephanie Vivod (NASA Glenn Research Center, USA)