Re:flector

Research at NTU is rewriting the perception of textile fabrics and yarns. Here, researchers knit space satellite antennae, and create electronically active yarns that can “light up”, “hear” and “harvest solar energy”.

Researchers Tilak Dias and William Hurley from the Advanced Textiles Research Group (ATRG) are knitting antenna reflectors from ultra-fine metal wire to help send and receive radio signals in orbit.

The project – in collaboration with space technology business Oxford Space Systems – is focused on creating lightweight antennas knitted from gold wire to withstand solar radiation.

NTU is paving the way in applying novel knitting techniques and its work will facilitate the UK in becoming a manufacturing centre for high-performance space materials.

Our work is transforming a regular craft into a remarkable revolution.

This research was submitted to the Art & Design Unit of Assessment in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, where 83% of the research impact was assessed to be of world-leading or internationally excellent quality.