Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has developed the world’s lightest material called silica aerogel or ‘blue air. This groundbreaking technology is known to possess extraordinary thermal resistance and can be used to fill soldiers’ uniforms, jackets and potentially save lives in extreme weather conditions.
Developed by scientists at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in Thiruvananthapuram, the material is 99% air and is so light that it can be balanced on top of a flower. The material is brittle and fragile, but scientists continue to work to make it more resilient.
Dr K. Sivan, Director, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre told NDTV, “It is the world’s lightest synthetic material made by man. It is a highly guarded technology. We have indigenously made it in India. It is used for insulating the rocket’s surface.”
