From the three biomimicry technologies currently in progress of being developed, my favorite is the Gecko Gripper because of its high efficiency potential.
First, it makes the problem of astronauts trying to stick items together a lot easier. Currently, they use Velcro which has many problems such as needing both sides to have Velcro in order to stick and loose fibers creating debris in space. The Gecko Gripper would be able to stick to any hard surface regardless of the material and uses Van der Waals force to create tinier material fixing the issue of the loose fibers.
Second, we could attach this amazing new technology to robots to travel around the ISS or any other spacecraft to make any repairs required. Currently, astronauts must fix broken parts on space craft and solar panels themselves, but a robot equipped with the Gecko Gripper to move himself and different parts around would give the astronauts a lot more time to focus on more important issues. …show more content…
Since this adhesive is not sticky like glue and instead uses Van der Waals force to cling items together, a suit for humans or even a rover could be developed with the Gecko Gripper used to climb mountains, caves, or any other risky terrain for exploration.
While the other choices also had potential for improved efficiency in space exploration, the Gecko Gripper to me had the most potential and promise for the future. With enough research and work, hopefully we can get this remarkable technology approved for use as soon as
First, it makes the problem of astronauts trying to stick items together a lot easier. Currently, they use Velcro which has many problems such as needing both sides to have Velcro in order to stick and loose fibers creating debris in space. The Gecko Gripper would be able to stick to any hard surface regardless of the material and uses Van der Waals force to create tinier material fixing the issue of the loose fibers.
Second, we could attach this amazing new technology to robots to travel around the ISS or any other spacecraft to make any repairs required. Currently, astronauts must fix broken parts on space craft and solar panels themselves, but a robot equipped with the Gecko Gripper to move himself and different parts around would give the astronauts a lot more time to focus on more important issues. …show more content…
Since this adhesive is not sticky like glue and instead uses Van der Waals force to cling items together, a suit for humans or even a rover could be developed with the Gecko Gripper used to climb mountains, caves, or any other risky terrain for exploration.
While the other choices also had potential for improved efficiency in space exploration, the Gecko Gripper to me had the most potential and promise for the future. With enough research and work, hopefully we can get this remarkable technology approved for use as soon as