New electronic circuit could survive harsh space for over 270 years

Researchers from Fudan University have developed an innovative electronic circuit made from a single atomic layer of molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂), a material approximately 0.7 nanometers thick, which exhibits exceptional resistance to space radiation. Unlike conventional electronics that require heavy shielding to protect against cosmic rays and high-energy particles, these atom-thin circuits allow radiation to pass through with minimal damage. The team fabricated transistors from a large, uniform monolayer MoS₂ wafer and assembled them into a fully functional radio-frequency (RF) communication system capable of both transmitting and receiving signals in the 12–18 GHz range, similar to those used in satellites. The circuits underwent rigorous testing, including exposure to intense gamma radiation on Earth, where they showed no significant structural or chemical degradation and maintained excellent electrical performance with low power consumption. The ultimate validation came from a nine-month deployment in low Earth orbit at about 517 kilometers altitude, where the system operated flawlessly with a bit error rate below