Geodesy

Quantum mechanics

Magnetic field

Engineering

Aerospace engineering

Traverse

Interplanetary spaceflight

Systems engineering

Spacecraft design

Computer science

Space exploration

Geology

Solar wind

Physics

Optics

Mars Exploration Program

Crew

Astrobiology

Spacecraft

Adaptation (eye)

Aeronautics

Advanced Materials

Spacecraft are expected to traverse enormous distances over long periods of time without an opportunity for maintenance, re‐fueling, or repair, and, for interplanetary probes, no on‐board crew to actively control the spacecraft configuration or flight path. Nevertheless, space technology has reached the stage when mining of space resources, space travel, and even colonization of other celestial bodies such as Mars and the Moon are being seriously considered. These ambitious aims call for spacecraft capable of self‐controlled, self‐adapting, and self‐healing behavior. It is a tough challenge to address using traditional materials and approaches for their assembly. True interplanetary advances may only be attained using novel self‐assembled and self‐healing materials, which would allow for realization of next‐generation spacecraft, where the concepts of adaptation and healing are at the core of every level of spacecraft design. Herein, recent achievements are captured and future directions in materials‐driven development of space technology outlined.

Advanced Materials for Next‐Generation Spacecraft