Implications of Molecular Nanotechnology Technical Performance Parameters on Previously Defined Space System Architectures

Molecular nanotechnology offers the prospect for significant increases in various technical performance parameters, such as material strength and density. This performance would enhance the capabilities of many classes of space systems. To begin analyzing this effect, a first step is to take previously defined space system architectures, not originally intended to use molecular nanotechnology, and calculate how well those systems would perform when simply using the MNT technical performance parameters. This paper discusses chemical rockets for putting payloads into Earth orbit, both single stage and two stage architectures, synchronous and rotating skyhooks, solar sails and solar electric ion engines, and large, inhabited space colonies. In all cases, MNT offers the possibility of significant system improvements.