Chinese engineers look to graphene to drive deep space exploration

A two-dimensional form of carbon known as graphene might one day help power space exploration into the unknown universe, say Chinese space engineers. Graphene, which is just one atom thick, could enable light-powered propulsion technology leading to fuel-free spacecraft. Traditional spacecraft depend on chemical propellants, and the amount they carry determines how far they can fly, said Song Shengju, the research leader at the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology.
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