MIT Develops Boron Nitride Tubes for Space Exploration

Researchers at MIT have developed a new material using boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) aimed at improving the safety of astronauts against cosmic radiation, a significant threat to long-duration missions to the Moon and Mars. Led by PhD candidate Palak Patel, the study focuses on integrating these nanotubes into aerospace materials, potentially increasing their radiation resistance from typical aluminum structures to a much stronger composition, achieving up to 50% BNNT concentration in protective gear.