This paper focuses on the behavior of polymer based carbon nanotube composites in the harsh conditions of the space environment with emphasis on Earth Orbit environmental features. The reduced weight, outstanding mechanical properties, and enhanced thermal characteristics of these nanocomposites are extremely attractive for space applications. The possibility to add multifunctional features such as thermal conductivity and/or electrical conductivity justifies the efforts to utilize such nanocomposites in space environments. Existing literature on polymercarbon nanotubes composites - relevant to potential applications in an Earth Orbit environment - is critically reviewed in connection with recent spectroscopic data on polyethylene and polystyrene filled with carbon nanotubes. The analysis concludes that important modifications induced by ionizing radiation have been observed by spectroscopic techniques. However, existing data are not yet sufficiently coherent to allow for a definite conclusion regarding the lifetime of such nanocomposites in the space environment and in particular in the Earth Orbit environment.
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