연구/산학
PKNU Research 1000
| Kim Jong-hyung | Published in <Nature>, the World’s Top Scientific Journal | |||
| 작성자 | 대외홍보센터 | 작성일 | 2025-09-19 |
| 조회수 | 249 | ||
| Kim Jong-hyung | Published in <Nature>, the World’s Top Scientific Journal | |||||
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대외홍보센터 |  |
2025-09-19 |  |
249 |
Published in Nature, the World’s Top Scientific Journal
PKNU Presents a Self-Levitating Aerial Vehicle Using Ultralight Nanostructures
-Professor Kim Jong-hyung Collaborates with Harvard and the University of Chicago on a Solar-Powered Near-Space Flyer Based on Nanostructures
Professor Kim Jong-hyung (Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pukyong National University), in collaboration with research teams from Harvard University and the University of Chicago, has successfully designed and fabricated an ultralight nanolattice structure capable of solar-powered levitation. This innovative aerial platform experimentally demonstrates, for the first time in the world, the possibility of sustained flight within the Earth’s mesosphere (50？100 km altitude). The research was published in the prestigious international journal <Nature> on August 14.
The Mesosphere―located 50 to 100 kilometers above the Earth’s surface―is a region too high for conventional aircraft and weather balloons, yet too low for satellite-based observation. As such, it has long been considered a “blind spot” for climate monitoring, despite its potential to provide essential data for climate change prediction and weather modeling. The newly developed self-levitating aerial vehicle offers a breakthrough solution. Powered solely by sunlight and requiring no fuel, the vehicle is capable of sustained levitation, making it a promising platform for future mesosphere exploration and atmospheric data collection.
Scalable Nanolattice Design and Fabrication Extended to Centimeter Scale
The research team developed a novel design approach based on Nanolattice structures, which simultaneously offer exceptional mechanical strength and ultralightweight properties. Led by Professor Kim Jong-hyung, the team successfully scaled up nanolattice fabrication from the conventional millimeter-scale to centimeter-scale using a newly applied processing method. This innovation enabled the implementation of stable, lightweight structures, demonstrating the real-world applicability of nanolattice technology.
Solar-Driven Levitation Using the Principle of Photophoresis
The levitation mechanism is based on Photophoresis, a physical phenomenon in which, under extremely low-pressure conditions, gas molecules reflecting more strongly off a heated side of a structure generate net thrust. To enhance light absorption, the research team deposited a chromium layer on the underside of the aluminum oxide？based nanolattice. The structure was then precisely engineered to ensure that the photophoretic force―resulting from surface temperature differentials―could exceed the weight of the structure, enabling solar-powered levitation.
Successful Simulation of Mesospheric Flight Conditions
The structure fabricated by Professor Kim Jong-hyung and tested at Professor Vlassak’s laboratory at Harvard University measures approximately 1？cm in diameter and 100？μm in thickness. Its interior features a highly precise nanolattice design composed of ultra-thin 100？nm films. The team conducted tests inside a custom-built low-pressure chamber, replicating mesospheric conditions with 55% of standard solar irradiance and an atmospheric pressure of 26.7？Pa―equivalent to an altitude of approximately 60？km above sea level. Under these conditions, the structure successfully levitated, marking the world’s first experimental validation of sustained flight in the mesosphere.
Toward Climate Monitoring, Communications, and Planetary Exploration
Technology opens promising applications across multiple fields. By equipping the levitating structure with ultralight sensors, it could collect real-time mesospheric data―such as wind speed, pressure, and temperature―enhancing the precision of climate models. Moreover, deploying multiple such devices could enable low-latency communication networks in the upper atmosphere. Given its suitability for thin-atmosphere environments, the platform also holds potential for planetary exploration missions, including on Mars. This innovation has drawn interest from organizations such as NASA, recognizing its potential as a next-generation aerospace technology.
Professor Kim Jong-hyung: “Unlocking New Potential in Nanolattice Structures”
Professor Kim remarked, “This study transforms nanolattice structures from mere laboratory materials into viable platforms for real-world atmospheric and space applications.” He added, “We aim to integrate communication systems and a range of sensors into the structure, evolving it into a tool for real-time environmental monitoring and planetary exploration.” Currently, Professor Kim is conducting follow-up research to enhance the performance and reliability of the structure. In parallel, he is committed to nurturing creative talent in the field of Materials Science and Engineering, with a focus on interdisciplinary research that pushes the boundaries of conventional materials engineering.
This research was supported by the Star-Friedman Challenge at Harvard University and the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). The developed technology has already been transferred to a Harvard-affiliated startup, Rarefied Technologies, through the university’s Office of Technology Development, and is currently undergoing commercialization.
