Story perspectives

Graphene Aerogels Boost Thrust 50x in Microgravity Tests

4/8/2026

Summary

Story summary

Researchers from the Université Libre de Bruxelles and Khalifa University found that graphene aerogels produce fifty times more thrust in microgravity than on Earth during the European Space Agency's 86th parabolic flight campaign.
During the campaign, lasers illuminated graphene aerogels in a vacuum, triggering propulsion.
The researchers noted that gravity hindered performance in previous Earth-based tests.
The findings suggest propellant-free propulsion could enable small satellites and solar sails.

History

Historical Context

In 1961, the United States initiated Project Mercury, its first human spaceflight program, aiming to orbit a human around Earth. Alan Shepard became the first American in space during the Mercury-Redstone 3 mission. This program laid the groundwork for future missions, including John Glenn's historic orbit in 1962, and continues to influence advancements in space technology, such as recent graphene aerogel propulsion research.

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Story summary

Researchers from the Université Libre de Bruxelles and Khalifa University found that graphene aerogels produce fifty times more thrust in microgravity than on Earth during the European Space Agency's 86th parabolic flight campaign.
During the campaign, lasers illuminated graphene aerogels in a vacuum, triggering propulsion.
The researchers noted that gravity hindered performance in previous Earth-based tests.
The findings suggest propellant-free propulsion could enable small satellites and solar sails.

1 / 2