Challenges of Molecular Nanotechnology for Space Exploration

Georgia Institute of Technology , Atlanta , GA , 30332Molecular nanotechnology is the future capability to design and build systems to atomicprecisions. This paper motivates the desire of molecular nanotechnology for spaceexploration with a review of potential benefits , and reviews relevant progress to date formolecular nanotechnology . It provides a framework of challenges that need to be resolvedbefore molecular nanotechnology can be applied to space systems, with discussion onaddressing those challenges. The p rimary focus is in the area of developing tools forautomated design of molecular components, using molecular con nector components as anexample, an d in developing tools for generating reaction pathways to fabricate molecularcomponents that can integrate with tools for developing molecular components . Thesecondary focus is issues for the molecular fabrication syst em, including integration with thedesign of end product space systems.