NASA Technologies Benefit Society
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National Aeronautics and Space Administration NASA TECH N OLOGIE S BE N EFI T SOCIE T Y 2010 spinoff SPINOFF Office of the Chief Technologist On the cover: During the STS-128 space shuttle mission, a space-walking astronaut took this photograph of a portion of the International Space Station (ISS) flying high above Earth’s glowing horizon. This year marks the 10th 2010 anniversary of the ISS, and is also a year of beneficial spinoff technologies, as highlighted by the smaller images lined up against the backdrop of space. Spinoff Program Office NASA Center for AeroSpace Information Daniel Lockney, Editor Bo Schwerin, Senior Writer Lisa Rademakers, Writer John Jones, Graphic Designer Deborah Drumheller, Publications Specialist Table of Contents 7 Foreword 9 Introduction 10 International Space Station Spinoffs 20 Executive Summary 30 NASA Technologies Enhance Our Lives on Earth 32 NASA Partnerships Across the Nation 34 NASA Technologies Benefiting Society Health and Medicine Burnishing Techniques Strengthen Hip Implants ...............................................................38 Signal Processing Methods Monitor Cranial Pressure ..........................................................40 Ultraviolet-Blocking Lenses Protect, Enhance Vision ..........................................................42 Hyperspectral Systems Increase Imaging Capabilities ..........................................................44 Transportation Programs Model the Future of Air Traffic Management ......................................................48 Tail Rotor Airfoils Stabilize Helicopters, Reduce Noise .......................................................50 Personal Aircraft Point to the Future of Transportation ......................................................52 Ducted Fan Designs Lead to Potential New Vehicles ..........................................................56 Winglets Save Billions of Dollars in Fuel Costs ...................................................................58 Sensor Systems Collect Critical Aerodynamics Data ............................................................60 Coatings Extend Life of Engines and Infrastructure ............................................................62 2 Table of Contents Spinoff 2010 Public Safety Radiometers Optimize Local Weather Prediction ................................................................66 Energy-Efficient Systems Eliminate Icing Danger for UAVs ...............................................68 Rocket-Powered Parachutes Rescue Entire Planes ...............................................................70 Technologies Advance UAVs for Science, Military ..............................................................72 Inflatable Antennas Support Emergency Communication ...................................................74 Smart Sensors Assess Structural Health ...............................................................................76 Hand-Held Devices Detect Explosives and Chemical Agents ..............................................78 Terahertz Tools Advance Imaging for Security, Industry .....................................................80 Consumer Goods LED Systems Target Plant Growth .....................................................................................84 Aerogels Insulate Against Extreme Temperatures ................................................................86 Image Sensors Enhance Camera Technologies ....................................................................90 Lightweight Material Patches Allow for Quick Repairs .......................................................92 Nanomaterials Transform Hairstyling Tools .......................................................................94 Do-It-Yourself Additives Recharge Auto Air Conditioning ................................................96 Spinoff 2010 Table of Contents 3 Environmental Resources Systems Analyze Water Quality in Real Time ...................................................................100 Compact Radiometers Expand Climate Knowledge ..........................................................102 Energy Servers Deliver Clean, Affordable Power ...............................................................104 Solutions Remediate Contaminated Groundwater ............................................................106 Bacteria Provide Cleanup of Oil Spills, Wastewater ..........................................................108 Reflective Coatings Protect People and Animals ................................................................110 Computer Technology Innovative Techniques Simplify Vibration Analysis ..........................................................114 Modeling Tools Predict Flow in Fluid Dynamics ..............................................................116 Verification Tools Secure Online Shopping, Banking .......................................................118 Toolsets Maintain Health of Complex Systems .................................................................120 Framework Resources Multiply Computing Power ...........................................................122 Tools Automate Spacecraft Testing, Operation .................................................................124 GPS Software Packages Deliver Positioning Solutions .......................................................126 Solid-State Recorders Enhance Scientific Data Collection .................................................128 Computer Models Simulate Fine Particle Dispersion ........................................................130 4 Table of Contents Spinoff 2010 Industrial Productivity Composite Sandwich Technologies Lighten Components .................................................134 Cameras Reveal Elements in the Short Wave Infrared .......................................................136 Deformable Mirrors Correct Optical Distortions ..............................................................138 Stitching Techniques Advance Optics Manufacturing .......................................................140 Compact, Robust Chips Integrate Optical Functions ........................................................142 Fuel Cell Stations Automate Processes, Catalyst Testing ...................................................144 Onboard Systems Record Unique Videos of Space Missions .............................................146 Space Research Results Purify Semiconductor Materials ....................................................148 Toolkits Control Motion of Complex Robotics ................................................................150 152 Aeronautics and Space Activities 178 Education News 188 Partnership News NASA Technology Award Winners .....................................................................................204 210 Office of the Chief Technologist Denotes that R&D Magazine has awarded the technology with its “R&D 100” award. Indicates that the Space Foundation has inducted the technology into the Space Technology Hall of Fame. Signifies that the technology has been named as a NASA “Invention of the Year.” Designates that the software has been named as a NASA “Software of the Year.” For a list of all Spinoff award winners since publication began in 1976, please see page 204. Spinoff 2010 Table of Contents 5 DISCLAIMER: While NASA does not manufacture, market, or sell commercial products, many commercial products are derived from NASA technology. Many NASA-originated technologies are adapted by private industry for use by consumers like you. Spinoff developments highlighted in this publication are based on information provided by individual and private industry users of NASA- originated aerospace technology who acknowledge that such technology contributed wholly or in part to development of the product or process described. NASA cannot accept responsibility or liability for the misinterpretation or misrepresentation of the enclosed information provided by these third-party users. Publication herein does not constitute NASA endorsement of the product or process, nor confirmation of manufacturers’ performance claims related to any particular spinoff development. Foreword ince NASA’s inception in 1958, the Agency has been Since 1976, NASA has been documenting these Charles F. Bolden, Jr. charged with ensuring its research and development spinoffs. It is an interesting and varied history. We are Administrator Sactivities can be shared and applied beyond the pleased to present to you this annual report on our latest National Aeronautics and space community. NASA spinoffs are one result. These innovations and ways we are inspiring people beyond our Space Administration are the technologies and products the Agency has success- science and exploration missions. fully shared with industry, which in turn has developed We see it this way: NASA provides a spark of inspira- and refined them for many benefits, including medical tion, a seed of technology, and then industry carries the advances, a cleaner environment, safer households, and ball forward and transforms it into something the general more convenience in our daily lives. public can use. Water purification technology origi- NASA is always finding ways to bring the benefits nally developed for the International Space Station, for of space exploration back to Earth. You will find NASA instance, can bring clean water to people in remote areas in the average household in many ways. It might not be where there is none. The things we learn in the coming obvious