A New Review Charts the Future of Materials Science in Orbit

Image from WEF

Spotlight on space technology

On February 13, 2025 the World Economic Forum published a feature on "12 transformative technologies reshaping our cosmic future" which included materials science and energy systems in space.

These included next-generation spacesuits using mechanical counter-pressure materials, huge solar arrays in orbit for power beaming, and advanced Earth-observation satellite materials.

Why it matters

By locating material science and space energy systems in the high-profile Davos context, this piece underlines the centrality of space technologies to global infrastructure, sustainability, and economy. The materials side matters because the unforgiving space environment calls for materials of exceptionally high performance-such as radiation tolerance, thermal extremes, and low mass-and innovations here often spill into terrestrial uses, like wear-resistant coatings or lightweight composites.

What this means for engineering and robotics

For someone working on 3D-modelled robotic components and space-applicable engineering, as you are, this is a signal that designing for the space environment is increasingly feasible and in demand. The mention of "materials science" in this context would suggest that new robotic systems in orbit or on other bodies will make use of materials designed specifically for those conditions, rather than terrestrial ones adapted for the purpose. This might influence your next project direction in your nonprofit work or research publication.