Laser-Induced Graphene Smart Textiles for Future Space Suits and Telescopes

Abstract

Novel materials with high electrical, optical, and thermal functionalities are crucial in next-generation space missions. Astronauts’ well-being demands continuous health monitoring, while stray light suppression and heat dissipation are vital for space telescopes. Here, it is demonstrated that laser-induced graphene (LIG), patterned with femtosecond laser pulses, serves as a versatile material for temperature/strain sensing, stray light absorption, and heat management for smart spacesuits and telescopes. LIG exhibits a superior temperature coefficient of resistance (−0.068% °C⁻¹), gauge factor of 454, optical absorption (97.57%), and heat diffusivity (6.376 mm2 s−1) via a single platform. Furthermore, thermal-vacuum tests confirm LIG's reliability and readiness for space missions. Under vacuum conditions (≈10−3 Torr) and repeated temperature changes ranging from −20 to 60 °C over a period of ≈40 h, the temperature/strain sensor, and optical absorbers maintain the functionality.