Chinese scientists have developed a method that could finally help decrease the cost of expensive space missions.
Their method reduces the cost of the development of aerogel, which is used for thermal insulation in extreme low-temperature and low-pressure environments, such as Mars.
Scientists have reduced the cost of high-performance silicon carbide (SiC) aerogels, which are typically more expensive than standard aerogels.
Their method, which reduces the cost of SiC aerogel to just US$0.70 per liter, involves a rapid combustion reaction between silicon powder and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).
This can be incorporated into lightweight, inexpensive clothing for cold weather use.
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