The Moon’s flag: China’s durable achievement

Chinese scientists have developed a special national flag that was raised on the Moon by the lander of the Chang’e 6 mission. The flag is made from inorganic basalt fibers, making it excellent at insulating and resisting radiation, all while being incredibly thin, measuring only 1/3 the thickness of a human hair. This flag is built to withstand harsh conditions such as extreme temperature fluctuations, vacuum environments, and strong ultraviolet radiation, making it unique as the first national flag in the world raised on the far side of the Moon.

The basalt fiber used to create the flag was jointly developed by Wuhan University of Textiles and Sanjiang China Aerospace Corporation. Xu Weilin, a scholar at the Chinese Academy of Engineering and president of Wuhan University of Textiles, along with his colleagues, successfully overcame challenges in developing the high-quality “stone version” of the national fabric flag. Basalt fiber is known for its insulation and radiation-resistant properties, making it ideal for withstanding the harsh lunar environment. However, the smooth surface and brittleness of the basalt fibers made spinning and weaving a challenge.

The flag, measuring 30 cm x 20 cm, the same size as the Chang’e 5 mission flag, utilizes a denser basalt fiber that makes it slightly heavier. Despite this, the team was able to develop an ultra-thin basalt fiber with a diameter just 1/3 the size of a human hair, resulting in a final weight of 11.3 grams, lighter than the Chang’e 5 flag. Basalt fibers have a wide range of applications in the aerospace sector due to their lightweight and flexibility, such as in spacesuits, spacecraft, and lunar bases.

In addition to the flag, the basalt fiber has potential for use in fireproof suits and protective gear due to its fireproof and insulating properties. Fireproof suits made from basalt fibers can withstand much higher temperatures than traditional organic materials, making them ideal for firefighting. The cost-effectiveness of basalt fibers also opens up market opportunities for various applications in protective gear and related products. The development of basalt fiber technology has significant implications for future aerospace endeavors, creating opportunities for innovation and advancement in materials science.