Novel MNT-based concepts
MNT-based systems promise what Aerospace applications are looking for namely, ultra-low mass, size and power consumption. We are soliciting revolutionary MNT concepts that are applicable to Aeronautics and Space missions.

• Fault tolerant, self-organizing and assembling, and self-healing materials,
• Devices and systems;
• Evolutionary design and operations; group intelligence and functions for nano- and pico-satellites;
• Swarms; MNT based concepts for detection of life, energy and waste management

Micro- and nanostructured materials
There is a need for new materials to meet the challenging requirements of next-generation air- and spacecraft, such as, the hypersonic space plane and RLVs. Materials that have been engineered from the "bottom up" offer exciting new possibilities for these applications.

• Impact on launch vehicles and autonomous maintenance
• Nanotubes, nanowires, fullerenes, quantum dots,
• Clusters, nano- and micro particles,
• Self-assembled nanomaterials,
• Nano- and microstructured surfaces and features,
• DNA, Nano-biological and soft-materials,
• Mesoscale materials, nano- and microphase composite materials
  

Micro-nano-devices and systems
Considerable investment and effort has gone in already into MEMS/NEMS (Micro/Nano Electro Mechanical Systems) for new sensors and actuators. We would like to encourage papers covering lessons learned in the development of MEMS/NEMS for Aerospace.

• Micro-nano-electronics and control systems, computing and communication devices,
• MEMS/NEMS based micro-instruments,
• Fuel Cells and Energy Storage Devices,
• Rocket fuel and propellants,
• Micro/Nanofluidic devices and biomolecular machines,
• Micropropulsion systems,
• Self-assembly and re-organization at the system level

Challenges with MNT-based system development
Transitioning innovative technologies from the laboratory to the manufacturing floor is not without its challenges. These challenges run the gamut from technological factors, to investment related factors, to psychological factors such as perception issues.

• Various factors influencing the transition of innovative technologies from the laboratory to the manufacturing environment
• MNT-enabled system architecture
• Demonstrating long-term, stable operation
• Methodology for retiring system level risk
  

Reliability considerations for MNT infusion in space missions
There is no question that reliability is of paramount importance for aerospace applications. More so for space missions since it is impossible in most cases to send a human to repair the problem. MNT has demonstrated that it has the inherent reliability required for space applications.

• Challenges with demonstrating MNT-based system reliability in a laboratory environment
• Challenges with demonstrating MNT-based system reliability in a relevant (aerospace) environment

Governmental and private investment into MNT-based systems and Application development
Investment provides the lifeblood for initiating, maturing and implementing new MNT-based systems.

• Perspectives from seasoned investors and program managers are invited, describing their expectations and experience in managing MNT development.
  

Coordinated international collaborations
MNT development, specifically for Aerospace applications is still in its infancy. In order to avoid wastage of resources and "re-inventing wheels", it is critical that we bring together complementary core competencies from across international borders.

• Inter-governmental agreement
• Examples of existing collaborative projects that bring together complementary core competencies from across international borders (e.g. environmental (dual use) application)
  

End-user perspectives
The "customer" has the last word in whether a promising new technology will ever be implemented. The dominant cliché is that the customer does not care what's in the "black box" as long as it delivers the required functionality in a cost-effective and reliable manner.

• Lessons learned by aerospace end users of MNT based materials,
• Lessons learned by aerospace end users of MNT based devices and systems