NASA Creates Material That Can Self-Heal in Less Than A Second

Scientists at NASA, along with a student fellow from the University of Michigan, are designing materials for aircrafts and spacecrafts that can heal itself in less than a second. Similar to how the human body responds to repairing a wound, the material’s chemical makeup will emulate the rapid healing process by activating upon impact. Tests involved shooting a bullet through the substance to determine if the overall structure stayed intact, while also mending the punctured area. Furthermore, the organically-made polymers can respond to extreme hot and cold temperatures as well as space debris. While this technology is still in the works, the material is advanced enough to be used on the next human space mission and consumer products as well in the near future.