Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #31518: Revolutionizing X-ray Optics: Astrileux's Breakthroughs from Space

The Astrileux experiment, conducted aboard the International Space Station (ISS), is a striking example of how microgravity research is driving innovation in advanced materials. Led by Dr. Supriya Jaiswal from Astrileux Corporation, this project focuses on developing next-generation extreme ultraviolet (EUV) and X-ray optics, crucial for applications ranging from semiconductor manufacturing to astronomy.

In microgravity, materials behave differently than they do on Earth, especially at the nanoscale. Astrileux harnesses this unique environment to test novel multilayer coatings and materials that can withstand harsh radiation and thermal conditions. These coatings are key to improving the performance of optical components used in lithography systems for semiconductor fabrication. On Earth, gravity can interfere with the deposition of ultra-thin layers of material, but in space, these processes can be studied with unprecedented precision.

The ISS provided a controlled environment to observe how these advanced coatings develop and change over time in orbit. Astrileux's research helps scientists understand the durability and effectiveness of these materials in the vacuum of space, offering insights into how they might be used in future satellite systems, space telescopes, or high-performance imaging devices.

By testing these technologies in orbit, Astrileux is helping build the future of ultra-precise optics that will drive forward fields like nanoelectronics and astrophysics. This type of research highlights how space-based experiments aren't just about exploring the cosmos—they’re shaping the tools we use to explore and understand our world.

Join the Agnirva Space Internship Program

Get certified with over 100 hours of immersive, self-paced learning in astronomy, cosmology, space technology, and climate science through the Agnirva Space Internship Program. Join, complete virtual projects, and earn a digital certificate to showcase your space fluency in interviews, resumes, and beyond.