Eric Drexler

In 1986, Eric Drexler published “Engines of Creation,” in which he laid out nanotechnology’s potential to revolutionize virtually every aspect of human life. Drexler is also the founder and Chairman of Foresight Institute, a non-profit organization devoted to helping society prepare for emerging technological revolutions. Nanotechnology is expected to be important in future space endeavors. Carbon nanotubes, a material much stronger than steel, could play a major role in the construction of a hypothetical space elevator that will bridge earth and space. NASA also envisions nanotechnology being used in communications, navigations, propulsion systems and for creating ultrasmall sensors and new types of power sources.