New polymers to be tested in extreme conditions aboard the International Space Station

Four novel polymers developed by researchers at the University of Bristol are about to undergo testing in space.

It is hoped that the materials, two of which contain nanoparticles and all of which have been reinforced with carbon fibres, could be used to create longer-lasting space components, allowing spacecraft to travel farther and spend more time in space. They are also being designed so that when they reach the end of their life they can be recycled.