Russian Scientists Develop Carbon Fiber Breakthrough for Space and Nuclear Use

A revolutionary carbon fiber developed in Russia could transform high-precision industries and open new possibilities for the country's space ambitions.

Russia has developed a groundbreaking material for the future — a new type of carbon fiber with no equivalent in the world. Its exceptional properties make it ideal for high-precision applications, including nuclear energy. This innovation marks a major step toward industrial self-sufficiency and a technological leap for Russia’s space exploration efforts.

The carbon fiber was created within Rosatom’s chemical technology cluster. It is lightweight, yet extremely durable, able to withstand extreme temperatures and physical stress. This makes it suitable for solar sails, cooling systems on orbital stations, satellite bodies, and even structural elements up to 200 meters long — capable of enduring both icy cold and the intense heat of atmospheric layers.

Produced from recycled coal and oil waste, the fiber undergoes a complex multi-stage thermal process, including graphitization at up to 3,000°C. The resulting structure closely resembles ideal graphite. The fiber hardly expands when heated and conducts heat three times better than copper, while being significantly lighter.

According to Rosatom experts, industrial-scale production of this advanced fiber could begin in just three to five years.