AAWSAP DIRD, Aerospace Applications of Programmable Matter, December 2009

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may be analogous to our present-day relationships with electronic graphs, data files,
and web pages and documents. We think nothing of "tweaking" these over and over
again in a way that we could not if they were simply printed on paper; indeed, we
expect such files to be "living documents" that change as frequently as the world
around them changes. Most of us would have a difficult time adapting to the technology
of even 30 years ago.
Finally, with any emerging technology, the number and scope of "unknown unknowns"
may be considerable. Some things that appear easy now may in fact turn out to be
extremely difficult. Conversely, many seemingly daunting problems turn out to have
remarkably simple solutions. Indeed, the problems faced by-and solved by!-advanced
programmable materials in 2050 may be impossible to forecast today with any accuracy
or confidence. Rather, we must roll up our sleeves and begin experimenting.
Conclusions
Many elements of the preceding scenario are based on current and emerging
technologies; others are speculative. However, if even a fraction of these possibilities
were to become reality in crewed and crewless spacecraft, the gains in energy
efficiency, mass reduction, safety, comfort, and mission flexibility could be extremely
significant and well worth pursuing. All that is needed is a commitment to develop the
underlying technologies.
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