A Metal That’s (Almost) Lighter Than Air

The world’s lightest metal contains barely any metal at all–in fact, it is made of 99.99% air. Called a microlattice, the material is a three-dimensional grid of tiny tubes that is up to 100 times as light as Styrofoam. And it’s poised to revolutionize the way we fly. California-based HRL Laboratories, which has been refining its creation since 2011, is working with the Boeing Co. to create a version for airplanes; it would be half the weight of aluminum but just as strong, greatly improving the planes’ fuel efficiency, said Toby Schaedler, senior scientist at HRL. (He expects it to be market-ready within five to 10 years.) NASA is interested in potential applications as well. “They are funding us specifically for a rocket to Mars,” says Schaedler.

–Julie Shapiro