Frozen Smoke from Space

Aerogels, the lightest solid known, are only three times

heavier than air. A block the size of a person weighs less

than a pound. Despite their lack of substance, these ghost-

like materials are the world’s best insulators. An inch thick-

ness can shield a flower from the heat of a blowtorch (right).

Because of their amazing qualities and transparent nature, aerogels are an obvious choice for super- insulating windows.

Samples made on Earth contain large pore sizes which scatter light and

result in a bluish haze.

Researchers from the

Marshall Space Flight

Center and Aerojet Inc. have flown space

samples which show

a 4-fold reduction in

pore size. This results

in 4000x less light scattering and there-

fore enhanced clarity.

According to Fortune Magazine, the aerogel market worldwide is projected to include

more than 800 potential product lines ranging

from surfboards to space satellite parts.

Using lessons learned from space, clearer aerogels may

someday routinely be made

on Earth for use in windows

and sunroofs.

House of the Future

Aerogel

Window

.....a Filigree of Silica within a Wisp of Air

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