Nasa has been experimenting growing Zinc Oxide nanowires in zero gravity. These tiny piezoelectric strands are capable of producing a voltage when squeezed, thus converting motion into electricity and allowing energy harvesting. This technology would allow the manufacture of clothing capable of charging your mobile phone while you walk, for example. Nasa is particularly keen on self-powered spacesuits since batteries (and electric sockets) are at a premium on the "final frontier". The problem is that the zinc oxide nanaowires do not generally grow long and straight enough, possibly due to the effects of gravity. Nasa is therefore carrying out experiments to grow the piezoelectric strands in microgravity. To simulate this effect, scientists have used the famous "Vomit Comet", an aeroplane that performs extreme acrobatic manoevers to simulate low gravity situations.
Of course, the Vomit Comet can hardly be used as a permanent factory for smart clothing. If the tests are successful, presumably the anticipated self-powered spacesuits will be partly manufactured aboard the International Space Station (ISS). It's interesting to think if there are any other valuable materials that can only be manufactured in micro-gravity conditions. If something valuable is found, the ISS might become a lucrative orbiting factory. Perhaps it would grow to the size a small city with people going up to make their fortune. A new micro-gravity gold rush!
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