The discovery is certain to prompt design changes in future spacecraft, a spokesman for the laboratory said.

Designers of future spacecraft want to see how vibrations affect such structures.

The finding also has implications for the ability of future spacecraft to detect unseen comets.

The tether is also designed to be used to generate electricity, a possible means of powering future spacecraft.

Instead, America will look to private companies to invest in future spacecraft.

Their investigations are expected to influence the design of future spacecraft by the space agency and the Defense Department.

This testing will help ensure the communications and electronic systems of future spacecraft perform reliably in space.

Examination of the materials is expected to help engineers design future spacecraft, especially the proposed space station Freedom.

Her work in this area led to important new developments in the design of future spacecraft.

Plans for future spacecraft often focus on reducing these costs so more people can participate in space.