**FILE PHOTO** This official undated photo released by NASA shows STS-116 Mission Specialist Sunita Williams. (AP Photo/NASA, HO)
Posted on 03/27/2007 6:54:31 PM PDT by NormsRevenge
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Astronaut Sunita Williams is stuck in space — at least temporarily. She flew up to the international space station last December planning to come home in early July after a seven-month stay.
When she comes back now will be a bit later than she planned.
The problem is that a hail storm that damaged the fuel tank of the space shuttle Atlantis has knocked NASA's flight schedule for the year out of whack.
Her ticket home, space shuttle Endeavour, may get off the ground several weeks later than its originally scheduled June 28 launch.
So Williams — who got a bit of attention for her accident with wasabi which wound up on the walls of the space station — may have to wait a little longer to go to her favorite sushi restaurant in Houston.
"We're doing things we can as best we can to make her happy, and perhaps launch some special items that will make her more comfortable for that extended period of time," said Kirk Shireman, NASA's deputy manager of the space station program. "Aside from that, there's not a whole lot that one can do."
Flight surgeon Dave Alexander said Williams' physical fitness, mental well-being and radiation exposure would be monitored carefully, but "right now, the predictions are Suni can stay up for an extended period of time."
During her longer stay in space, Williams is expected to break the U.S. record for continuous time in space. Her current crew mate, Michael Lopez-Alegria, will set that record when he returns to Earth on April 20 in a Russian Soyuz vehicle with 214 days in space.
The longest stay in space was 437 days by Russian Valeri Polyakov.
**FILE PHOTO** This official undated photo released by NASA shows STS-116 Mission Specialist Sunita Williams. (AP Photo/NASA, HO)
In this image from NASA Television, Commander Michael Lopez-Alegria, top, and flight engineer Sunita Williams are shown folding a heat shield during a space walk on the International Space Station in this February file photo. Williams is stuck in space because of delay in shuttle flights to space station. (AP Photo/NASA TV)
Now all they have to do is lose her luggage and NASA will officially become US Airways.
Oh My!
Not quite: they will need to misdirect the return flight, too, and sent het into a lunar orbit instead.
lol. I wonder if they'll charge her $5 for the extra comfort items they are sending up?
So this guy and this chick are stranded alone in a cramped spacecraft for months? No wonder he wants to come home first. ;-P
7 months in space. "Her current crew mate, Michael Lopez-Alegria"
Well now, let's hope she doesn't start wearing diapers when she lands.
I always t'ought it was Ladies FiRst?
"Passengers waiting on US Spaceways 97: The equipment is at the gate but the crew is still circling over Uranus. We're estimating a 90 minute delay, but departure times are just estimates. Please remain in the gate area to guarantee your reserved seating."
I clicked this thread just hoping there would be a good line relating to the astronut...thanks! :D
Oh the pain, the pain.
-pssst- someone tell Lisa Nowak that this astronaut is seeing Oefelien-she'll figure out a way to strap on a diaper and get to the station and bring her back.
Her ticket home, space shuttle Endeavour, may get off the ground several weeks later than its originally scheduled June 28 launch.
Imagine that. A government program running behind schedule, probably over budget, and no major updates to the vehicle in question in over 30 years. Yep, sounds exactly like a government program. Woo-hoo, let's hear it for limited government!!
She's kind of masculine looking but after 7 months I guess she could start to look good.
"Imagine that. A government program running behind schedule, probably over budget, and no major updates to the vehicle in question in over 30 years. Yep, sounds exactly like a government program. Woo-hoo, let's hear it for limited government!!"
There have been many major updates to the shuttle design over the years.
Hail damage caused this delay. Perhaps the weather is NASA's fault too?
Yes shuttle was over sold, over budget and has not flown nearly as much as it was supposed to and be as safe as people believed.
But you will find that is part of the nature of vessels of exploration that navigate the frontier as far back as ancient times.
Private industry is still very far away from doing anything like NASA can today.
SHADO had that neat launch vehicle that looked so simple!
Here
Am I floating 'round my tin can....
Far
Above the moon
Planet earth is blue
and there's nothing I can do.
(David Bowie)
June Lockhart she ain't.
Yes and you'll find a good number of them were privately funded
Private industry is still very far away from doing anything like NASA can today.
Being told practically for going on 50 years now that you can't do something mainly because the bureaucrats think they can do better tends to steer private industry away from a project doesn't it? So yes I can see why private industry isn't up to speed that NASA is.
However, to be fair even though the government wasn't, let's go by the same standard. First manned flight into space was 1961. In 15 years they sent a couple of dozen chosen few into space and a handful to the moon. All in crappy non reusable tin cans. They planted a flag. Big whoop here's a cardboard cookie. I'll give you the first manned private flight was last year. Fifteen years from now, manned flight will not only be more common place it will be turning a profit for the shareholders and be releasing new inventions much faster to the market than having to wait 20 years for Tang and velcro.
And the government's program to send men back to the moon or the first manned flight to Mars still will just be in the planning phases.
Auditor: "Oh, sure! You claim you were up in the Space Shuttle and your return flight was delayed! You'd expect us to believe THAT one?!?"
Well, maybe June of 1988 or thereabouts.
Somebody better get her back to Earth. She's got to work on her backhand before the US Open. (:^D)
Fortunately, it's closing fast.
And Ill be more then happy about that.
But the reality will likely be a hybrid of both.
she's a bow hunter.
http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/Bios/htmlbios/williams-s.html
Those "crappy non reusable cans" are in the Smithsonian for a reason you know.
Do you see many other nations doing such things?
Only recently China has become only the 3rd nation to launch astronauts.
NASA did not invent Velcro or Tang by the way.
They did invent about a zillion other things you use everyday though....
http://www.thespaceplace.com/nasa/spinoffs.html
I really do not see how you can sit there and rip NASA for doing what nobody else has done. EVER.
The nations that lead on the frontier determine the course of humanity.
We as a people ARE explorers. It is why we are here at all. Any of us.
And you need be very careful your praise of private industry.
I praise it too.
But walk carefully there, NASA has provided them with tons of data to do the things they do for free. That data costs blood and money. Private industry stands on the shoulders of giants in this regard. As we all owe those that came before us that braved frontiers.
Yes it's called nationalistic pride. I've seen the Spirit of St Louis and the Wright Flyer in there as well. Both achievements not sponsored by government. Your point?
They did invent about a zillion other things you use everyday though....
Yes, yes, I've seen that list. And every one of those things would have made it to the free market faster and cheaper if it would have been provided by private industry
But walk carefully there, NASA has provided them with tons of data to do the things they do for free. That data costs blood and money.
They were doing a job. Personally I would rather put my life in the hands of a corporation that is responsible to its shareholders than a government who is responsible to no one. Of course when it's the only ride in town you have to face danger of hopping onto a 40 year old rickety space bus. Not the brightest move if you ask me.
You mean Useless Airways? The only airline to ever lose my luggage!
What a dumb statement. How do her looks effect you?--or the space program? You are a deep thinker--not!
If she can't handle wasabi in space, she sure won't be able to handle curlers.
Then why had that not happened? Everything is provided by private industry. Space flight required the need for many products that we use in our daily lives that had not been invented.
Of course when it's the only ride in town you have to face danger of hopping onto a 40 year old rickety space bus---
built by a corporation that was the lowest bidder.
Not the brightest move if you ask me.
Do you really want to compare your I.Q. with an astronaut's?
Suit yourself.
But I would suggest trying a week without NASA orginated tech and only use commerically originated tech.
No problem.
Here's a quiz for you, name some everyday stuff that was originated at NASA? Cite your sources proving it was developed by NASA.
DoD or DoE developed stuff doesn't count.
I dont know what your typical week is, do you commute?
Some bridges you drive over may very well have NASA derived tech in them.
NASA tech has saved lives even allowing doctors to see into the human body in new ways.
NASA derived tech is embedded all around us.....
Computer Technology - NASA Spinoffs
GROUND PROCESSING SCHEDULING SYSTEM - Computer-based scheduling system that uses artificial intelligence to manage thousands of overlapping activities involved in launch preparations of NASA's Space Shuttles. The NASA technology was licensed to a new company which developed commercial applications that provide real-time planning and optimization of manufacturing operations, integrated supply chains, and customer orders.uu
SEMICONDUCTOR CUBING - NASA initiative led to the Memory Short Stack, a three-dimensional semiconductor package in which dozens of integrated circuits are stacked one atop another to form a cube, offering faster computer processing speeds, higher levels of integration, lower power requirements than conventional chip sets, and dramatic reduction in the size and weight of memory-intensive systems, such as medical imaging devices.
STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS - This NASA program, originally created for spacecraft design, has been employed in a broad array of non-aerospace applications, such as the automobile industry, manufacture of machine tools, and hardware designs.
WINDOWS VISUAL NEWS READER (Win Vn) - Software program developed to support payload technical documentation at Kennedy Space Center, allowing the exchange of technical information among a large group of users. WinVn is an enabling technology product that provides countless people with Internet access otherwise beyond their grasp, and it was optimized for organizations that have direct Internet access.
AIR QUALITY MONITOR - Utilizing a NASA-developed, advanced analytical technique software package, an air quality monitor system was created, capable of separating the various gases in bulk smokestack exhaust streams and determining the amount of individual gases present within the stream for compliance with smokestack emission standards.
VIRTUAL REALITY - NASA-developed research allows a user, with assistance from advanced technology devices, to figuratively project oneself into a computer-generated environment, matching the user's head motion, and, when coupled with a stereo viewing device and appropriate software, creates a telepresence experience.
Other spinoffs in this area include: Advanced keyboards, Customer Service Software, Database Management System, Laser Surveying, Aircraft controls, Lightweight Compact Disc, Expert System Software, Microcomputers, and Design Graphics.
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Consumer/Home/Recreation - NASA Spinoffs
ENRICHED BABY FOOD - A microalgae-based, vegetable-like oil called Formulaid developed from NASA-sponsored research on long duration space travel, contains two essential fatty acids found in human milk but not in most baby formulas, believed to be important for infants' mental and visual development.
WATER PURIFICATION SYSTEM - NASA-developed municipal-size water treatment system for developing nations, called the Regenerable Biocide Delivery Unit, uses iodine rather than chlorine to kill bacteria.
SCRATCH-RESISTANT LENSES - A modified version of a dual ion beam bonding process developed by NASA involves coating the lenses with a film of diamond-like carbon that not only provides scratch resistance, but also decreases surface friction, reducing water spots.
POOL PURIFICATION - Space technology designed to sterilize water on long-duration spacecraft applied to swimming pool purification led to a system that uses two silver-copper alloy electrodes that generate silver and copper ions when an electric current passes through them to kill bacteria and algae without chemicals.
RIBBED SWIMSUIT - NASA-developed riblets applied to competition swimsuits resulted in flume testing of 10 to 15 percent faster speeds than any other world class swim-suit due to the small, barely visible grooves that reduce friction and aerodynamic drag by modifying the turbulent airflow next to the skin.
GOLF BALL AERODYNAMICS - A recently designed golf ball, which has 500 dimples arranged in a pattern of 60 spherical triangles, employs NASA aerodynamics technology to create a more symmetrical ball surface, sustaining initial velocity longer and producing a more stable ball flight for better accuracy and distance.
PORTABLE COOLERS/WARMERS - Based on a NASA-inspired space cooling system employing thermoelectric technology, the portable cooler/warmer plugs into the cigarette lighters of autos, recreational vehicles, boats, or motel outlets. Utilizes one or two miniaturized modules delivering the cooling power of a 10-pound block of ice and the heating power of up to 125 degrees Fahrenheit.
SPORTS TRAINING - Space-developed cardio-muscular conditioner helps athletes increase muscular strength and cardiovascular fitness through kinetic exercise.
ATHLETIC SHOES - Moon Boot material encapsulated in running shoe midsoles improve shock absorption and provides superior stability and motion control.
Other spinoffs in this area include: Dustbuster, shock-absorbing helmets, home security systems, smoke detectors, flat panel televisions, high-density batteries, trash compactors, food packaging and freeze-dried technology, cool sportswear, sports bras, hair styling appliances, fogless ski goggles, self-adjusting sunglasses, composite golf clubs, hang gliders, art preservation, and quartz crystal timing equipment.
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Environmental and Resource Management - NASA Spinoffs
MICROSPHERES - The first commercial products manufactured in orbit are tiny microspheres whose precise dimensions permit their use as reference standards for extremely accurate calibration of instruments in research and industrial laboratories. They are sold for applications in environmental control, medical research, and manufacturing.
SOLAR ENERGY - NASA-pioneered photovoltaic power system for spacecraft applications was applied to programs to expand terrestrial applications as a viable alternative energy source in areas where no conventional power source exists.
WEATHER FORECASTING AID - Space Shuttle environmental control technology led to the development of the Barorator which continuously measures the atmospheric pressure and calculates the instantaneous rate of change.
FOREST MANAGEMENT - A NASA-initiated satellite scanning system monitors and maps forestation by detecting radiation reflected and emitted from trees.
SENSORS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL - NASA development of an instrument for use in space life support research led to commercial development of a system to monitor an industrial process stream to assure that the effluent water's pH level is in compliance with environmental regulations.
WIND MONITOR - Development of Jimsphere wind measurement balloon for space launches allows for making high resolution measurements of the wind profile for meteorological studies and predictions.
TELEMETRY SYSTEMS - A spinoff company formed to commercialize NASA high-data-rate telemetry technology, manufactures a high-speed processing system for commercial communications applications.
PLANT RESEARCH - NASA research on future moon and Mars bases is investigating using plants for food, oxygen, and water to reduce the need for outside supplies. This research utilizes Hydroponics (liquid nutrient solutions) instead of soil to support plant growth and finds applications for vegetable production on Earth.
FIRE RESISTANT MATERIAL - Materials include chemically-treated fabric for sheets, uniforms for hazardous material handlers, crew's clothing, furniture, interior walls of submersibles and auto racer and refueler suits.
RADIATION INSULATION - Aluminized polymer film is highly effective radiation barrier for both manned and unmanned spacecraft. Variations of this space-devised material are also used as an energy conservation technique for homes and offices. The materials are placed between wall studs and exterior facing before siding or between roof support and roof sheathing. The radiant barrier blocks 95% of radiant energy. Successful retrofit installations include schools and shrink wrap ovens.
Other spinoffs in this area include: Whale identification method, environmental analysis, noise abatement, pollution measuring devices, pollution control devices, smokestack monitor, radioactive leak detector, earthquake prediction system, sewage treatment, energy saving air conditioning, and air purification.
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Health and Medicine - NASA Spinoffs
DIGITAL IMAGING BREAST BIOPSY SYSTEM - The LORAD Stereo Guide Breast Biopsy system incorporates advanced Charge Coupled Devices (CCDs) as part of a digital camera system. The resulting device images breast tissue more clearly and efficiently. Known as stereotactic large-core needle biopsy, this nonsurgical system developed with Space Telescope Technology is less traumatic and greatly reduces the pain, scarring, radiation exposure, time, and money associated with surgical biopsies.
BREAST CANCER DETECTION - A solar cell sensor is positioned directly beneath x-ray film, and determines exactly when film has received sufficient radiation and has been exposed to optimum density. Associated electronic equipment then sends a signal to cut off the x-ray source. Reduction of mammography x-ray exposure reduces radiation hazard and doubles the number of patient exams per machine.
LASER ANGIOPLASTY - Laser angioplasty with a "cool" type of laser, caller an excimer laser, does not damage blood vessel walls and offers precise non-surgical cleanings of clogged arteries with extraordinary precision and fewer complications than in balloon angioplasty.
ULTRASOUND SKIN DAMAGE ASSESSMENT - Advanced instrument using NASA ultrasound technology enables immediate assessment of burn damage depth, improving patient treatment, and may save lives in serious burn cases.
HUMAN TISSUE STIMULATOR - Employing NASA satellite technology, the device is implanted in the body to help patient control chronic pain and involuntary motion disorders through electrical stimulation of targeted nerve centers or particular areas of the brain.
COOL SUIT - Custom-made suit derived from space suits circulates coolant through tubes to lower patient's body/ temperature, producing dramatic improvement of symptoms of multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, spina bifida and other conditions.
PROGRAMMABLE PACEMAKER - Incorporating multiple NASA technologies, the system consists of the implant and a physician's computer console containing the programming and a data printer. Communicates through wireless telemetry signals.
OCULAR SCREENING - NASA image processing techniques are used to detect eye problems in very young children. An electronic flash from a 35-millimeter camera sends light into the child's eyes, and a photorefractor analyzes the retinal reflexes, producing an image of each eye.
AUTOMATED URINALYSIS - NASA fluid dynamics studies helped development of system that automatically extracts and transfers sediment from urine sample to an analyzer microscope, replacing the manual centrifuge method.
MEDICAL GAS ANALYZER - Astronaut-monitoring technology used to develop system to monitor operating rooms for analysis of anesthetic gasses and measurement of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen concentrations to assure proper breathing environment for surgery patients.
VOICE-CONTROLLED WHEELCHAIR - NASA teleoperator and robot technology used to develop chair and manipulator that respond to 35 one-word voice commands utilizing a minicomputer to help patient perform daily tasks, like picking up packages, opening doors, and turning on appliances.
Other spinoffs in this area include: Arteriosclerosis detection, ultrasound scanners, automatic insulin pump, portable x-ray device, invisible braces, dental arch wire, palate surgery technology, clean room apparel, implantable heart aid, MRI, bone analyzer, and cataract surgery tools.
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Industrial Productivity/Manufacturing Technology - NASA Spinoffs
MAGNETIC LIQUIDS - Based on the NASA-developed ferrofluid concept involving synthetic fluids that can be positioned and controlled by magnetic force, the ferrofluidic seal was initially applied in a zero-leakage, nonwearing seal for the rotating shaft of a system used to make semiconductor chips, solving a persistent problem‹contamination due to leaking seals.
WELDING SENSOR SYSTEM - Laser-based automated welder for industrial use incorporates a laser sensor system originally designed for Space Shuttle External Tank to track the seam where two pieces of metal are to be joined, measures gaps and minute misfits, and automatically corrects the welding torch distance and height.
MICROLASERS - Based on a concept for optical communications over interplanetary distances, microlasers were developed for the commercial market to transmit communication signals and to drill, cut, or melt materials.
MAGNETIC BEARING SYSTEM - Bearings developed from Space Shuttle designs support moving machinery without physical contact, permitting motion without friction or wear, and are now used in electric power generation, petroleum refining, machine tool operation, and natural gas pipelines.
ENGINE LUBRICANT - A NASA-developed plasma-sprayed coating is used to coat valves in a new, ten-inch-long, four-cylinder rotary engine, eliminating the need for lubricating the rotorcam, which has no crankshaft, flywheel, distributor, or water pump.
INTERACTIVE COMPUTER TRAINING - Known as Interactive Multimedia Training (IMT), originally developed to train astronauts and space operations personnel, now utilized by the commercial sector to train new employees and upgrade worker skills, using a computer system that engages all the senses, including text, video, animation, voice, sounds, and music.
HIGH-PRESSURE WATERSTRIPPING - Technology developed for preparing Space Shuttle solid rocket boosters first evolved into the U.S. Air Force's Large Aircraft Robotic Paint Stripping (LARPS) system, and now used in the commercial airline industry, where the waterjet processing reduces coating removal time by 90 percent, using only water at ultra-high pressures up to 55,000 psi.
ADVANCED WELDING TORCH - Based on the Variable Polarity Plasma Arc welding technology, a handheld torch originally developed for joining light alloys used in NASA's External Tank, is now used by major appliance manufacturers for sheet metal welding.
Other spinoffs in this area include: Gasoline vapor recovery, self-locking fasteners, machine tool software, laser wire stripper, lubricant coating process, wireless communications, engine coatings, and engine design.
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Public Safety - NASA Spinoffs
RADIATION HAZARD DETECTOR - NASA technology has made commercially available new, inexpensive, conveniently carried device for protection of people exposed to potentially dangerous levels of microwave radiation. Weighing only 4 ounces and about the size of a cigarette pack, it can be carried in a shirt pocket or clipped to a belt. Unit sounds an audible alarm when microwave radiation reaches a preset level.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE ROBOT - Remotely-operated robot reduces human injury levels by performing hazardous tasks that would otherwise be handled by humans.
PERSONAL ALARM SYSTEM - Pen-sized ultrasonic transmitter used by prison guards, teachers, the elderly, and disabled to call for help is based on space telemetry technology. Pen transmits a silent signal to receiver that will display the exact location of the emergency.
EMERGENCY RESCUE CUTTERS - Lightweight cutters for freeing accident victims from wreckage developed using NASA pyrotechnic technology.
FIREMAN'S AIR TANKS - Lighter-weight firefighter's air tanks have been developed. New back-pack system weighs only 20 lbs. for 30 minute air supply, 13 lbs. less than conventional firefighting tanks. They are pressurized at 4,500 psia (twice current tanks). A warning device tells the fireman when he or she is running out of air.
PERSONAL STORM WARNING SYSTEM - Lightning detector gives 30-minute warning to golfers, boaters, homeowners, business owners, and private pilots.
SELF-RIGHTING LIFE RAFT - Developed for the Apollo program, fully inflates in 12 seconds and protects lives during extremely adverse weather conditions with self-righting and gravity compensation features.
Other spinoffs in this area include: Storm warning services (Doppler radar), firefighters' radios, lead poison detection, fire detector, flame detector, corrosion protection coating, protective clothing, and robotic hands.
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Transportation - NASA Spinoffs
STUDLESS WINTER TIRES - Viking Lander parachute shroud material is adapted and used to manufacture radial tires, increasing the tire material's chainlike molecular structure to five times the strength of steel should increase tread life by 10,000 miles.
BETTER BRAKES - New, high-temperature composite space materials provide for better brake linings. Applications includes trucks, industrial equipment and passenger cars.
TOLLBOOTH PURIFICATION - A laminar airflow technique used in NASA clean rooms for contamination-free assembly of space equipment is used at tollbooths on bridges and turnpikes to decrease the toll collector's inhalation of exhaust fumes.
WEIGHT SAVING TECHNOLOGY - NASA research on composite materials is used to achieve a 30-percent weight reduction in a twin-turbine helicopter, resulting in a substantial increase in aircraft performance.
IMPROVED AIRCRAFT ENGINE - Multiple NASA developed technological advancements resulted in a cleaner, quieter, more economical commercial aircraft engine known as the high bypass turbofan, featuring a 10-percent reduction in fuel consumption, lower noise levels, and emission reductions of oxides of nitrogen, carbon monoxide, and unburned hydrocarbons.
ADVANCED LUBRICANTS - An environmental-friendly lubricant designed to support the Space Shuttle Mobile Launcher Platform led to the development of three commercial lubricants for railroad track maintenance, for electric power company corrosion prevention, and as a hydraulic fluid with an oxidation life of 10,000 hours.
ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM - The Flywheel Energy Storage system, derived from two NASA-sponsored energy storage studies, is a chemical-free, mechanical battery that harnesses the energy of a rapidly spinning wheel and stores it as electricity with 50 times the capacity of a lead-acid battery, very useful for electric vehicles.
NEW WING DESIGN FOR CORPORATE JETS - NASA-developed computer programs resulted in an advanced, lighter, more aerodynamically-efficient new wing for Gulfstream business aircraft.
AIDS TO SCHOOL BUS DESIGN - Manufacturer uses three separate NASA-developed technologies originally developed for aviation and space use in their design and testing of a new school bus chassis. These technologies are a structural analysis computer program infrared stress measurement system, and a ride quality meter system.
Other spinoffs in this area include: Safer bridges, emission testing, airline wheelchairs, electric car, auto design, methane-powered vehicles, windshear prediction, and aircraft design analysis.
NASA Spin-offs: Bringing Space Down to Earth
By Eleanor A. O’Rangers
posted: 26 January 2005
09:42 am ET
To most space enthusiasts, the term “technology spin-off” harkens up visions of Apollo astronauts taking a swig of Tang or sealing Velcro flaps on their flight suits. However, it may come as a surprise to many that neither product was “invented” for the space program. Both Tang and Velcro were commercially available products that were adapted for space travel use (their use in spaceflight may have contributed to their subsequent commercial popularity, however.)
NASA defines technology “spin-offs” as those commercially available products (systems, processes or services) that incorporate NASA-originating technology or technical assistance.
NASA has consistently endeavored since its inception to ensure that their research and development activities can be applied with broad impact (e.g. beyond spaceflight). A Commercial Technology Transfer Network has evolved over the years to function as a resource for scientific and technical information and outreach. It includes 10 Commercial Technology Offices at each NASA field center which work closely with the National Technology Transfer Center in Wheeling, WV (which provides access to all federally-funded research and technologies) and its affiliated Regional Technology Transfer Centers, NASA incubators (designed to assist small business development), and other small business programs, including the NASA Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program, the NASA Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Program, The Federal Laboratory Consortium (FLC) for Technology Transfer, and the National Robotics Engineering Consortium (NREC).
There are many resources for obtaining information on NASA technology spin-offs. The NASA Scientific and Technical Information (STI) Program (http://www.sti.nasa.gov ), which manages the NASA Center for AeroSpace Information, “acquires, processes, archives, announces and disseminates NASA’s internal, as well as worldwide, STI.” (Spinoff 2002.)
A monthly magazine, NASA Tech Briefs (http://www.nasatech.com) features articles authored by engineers or scientists who created technology innovations with NASA, industry partners and contractors that may point to spin-off potential for such original work. Aerospace Technology Innovation (http://nctn.hq.nasa.gov/innovation/index.html) is a bimonthly publication of the NASA Office of Aerospace Technology which is another resource for information on potential technology spin-offs. NASA Spinoff (http://www.sti.nasa.gov/tto/ ) is an annual publication that summarizes the “best of the best” research and development within NASA and “success stories” of commercialization of NAsA technology.
Finally, NASA TechFinder (the NASA Technology Portal) (http://technology.nasa.gov) is a website that provides access to NASA’s technology inventory and commercialization “success stories”—technologies successfully adapted for use in the private sector.
Since 1976, over 1300 NASA technology spin-offs can be found in many industries and in daily life. For example, computer-chip minaturization, an outcropping from many of the early manned spaceflight activities, has revolutionized items we commonly use today- cell phones, personal data assistants (PDAs), cordless screwdrivers, just to name a few. Some of the most amazing spin-offs, however, have been applied in the medical field. The Apollo Program, for example, resulted in many advances:
CAT Scanners and MRI technology (Computer-Aided Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging): diagnostic tools that originated from computer-enhancement technology developed for lunar imaging.
“Cool suits”: the fabric mesh outfit embedded with tubing for water circulation that was part of the Apollo moon suit assembly, kept astronauts comfortable during their lunar excursions. The suit was adapted for use by race car drivers, nuclear reactor technicians, shipyard workers, people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and others with conditions impairing their ability to sweat to keep them as comfortable as their astronaut counterparts.
“Space Blankets”: aluminum foil overlays on propylene or mylar functioned as insulation barriers in astronaut moon suits and as a radiation barrier for their spacecraft's delicate instruments; they are sold in camping stores to protect hikers from exposure (hypothermia)… or to keep screaming fans from freezing in the stands at a football game!
A related spin-off, originating from the gold-plating technique NASA developed for coating Apollo astronaut helmet visors (to protect from UV exposure and blinding sunlight and fogging on the lunar surface), has been adapted for creating the thin layer of electrically conducting gold encased in plastic coating on infant radiant warmers which is used in hospital nurseries to maintain body temperature shortly after birth or post-operative recovery. Similar warming devices have been developed for burn victims as well.
Other innovations that have emerged in the post-Apollo era are equally captivating:
Innovations in Dental Care: Transparent polycrystalline alumina (TPA) was originally identified by NASA and Ceradyne for helping track heat-seeking missiles. Ceradyne went on to partner with Unitek Corporation/3M to develop Transcend Brackets?, made from TPA. These orthodontic braces are as effective as metal braces, but are nearly invisible when viewed at normal distances, thus providing a more attractive cosmetic option for the wearer. In another creation, a nickel and titanium alloy known as Nitinol, originally developed by NASA for aerospace application, is used in a type of dental arch wire, which has orthodontic application. In contrast to the traditional steel arch wire, the Nitinol arch wire reduces the number of times braces require adjustment, since it returns to its original shape as teeth are pulled (the alloy is a type of “memory metal” which does not kink when bent.) Similar “memory metal” alloys have also found application as frames for eyeglasses. Other dental items that have been developed out of NASA technologies include a portable dental system, which can be used to provide dental care to isolated communities (a dental chair, stool, x-ray unit and collapsible compressed air tank all fold up into packages; the tank design was based on collapsible stow-away tanks designed for NASA spacecraft) and an imaging device (based on patented NASA work with ultrasound) that can be used to diagnose and monitor periodontal disease.
Breast Cancer Detection: More precise and safer breast imaging has resulted from NASA video imaging with digital processing work and Space Telescope technologies which may improve the image quality of mammographies and the precision of stereotactic large-core needle biopsy of breast tissue. Solar cells (used for converting radiant energy to electrical energy on spacecraft) have been coupled with X-ray imaging to reduce radiation exposure for patients and has increased the life-span of breast imaging equipment.
Light-emitting diodes: Originally developed by NASA for Space Shuttle plant growth experiments, these “light therapy” devices have found use in reducing wound-healing time for mucositis (severe sores in the mouth and esophagus which often accompany high-dose chemotherapy for cancer) and are being tested as “photodynamic therapy” with promising results in patients with intractable brain, liver, rectal, skin and esophageal cancers.
Infrared Thermometer: Infrared sensors were developed by NASA for the measurement of the temperature of distant celestial objects. This technology led to the development of an optical sensor thermometer, which provides body temperature readings rapidly when its probe is placed inside the ear canal. This is particularly useful for children and the elderly, where a minimally invasive procedure is preferred.
Surgical improvements: JPL has partnered with MicroDexterity Systems Inc. to develop a robotic microsurgery device which may be particularly useful for eye and brain surgeries. Operator muscle tremor is reduced significantly with this device, which uses computer compensated motion control. Robotic devices are also being applied for other innovations, including the use of telepresence for obtaining greater precision with differentiating normal tissue from tumors when performing biopsies, and the use of robotics to provide better surgical control of the surgical camera used in laparoscopy. Cardiac devices. Minaturized space circuitry and adaptations of telemetry protocols used for programming satellites led to significant reduction in the size of heart pacemakers and automatic internal defibrillators (AICDs) and permitted them to be programmed without surgery. Angioplasty, the use of catheters and related devices such as lasers to “unclog” diseased blood vessels (particularly around the heart) was improved with the introduction of the "cool" laser, or excimer laser (originally developed by NASA). This device does not damage blood vessel walls, is more precise that other forms of angioplasty and may have fewer associated complications.Finally, technology used in Space Shuttle fuel pumps led renowned heart surgeon (and member of the NSS Board of Governors) Michael DeBakey to the development of a miniaturized heart (ventricular) assist device (VAD), which can be used as a means of keeping heart transplant candidates alive while they are waiting for a donor organ.
The Space Shuttle external tank foam insulation -- the same insulation that fell off during Columbia’s final liftoff and was ultimately implicated in the shuttle’s demise- has, ironically, played a roll in a very interesting medical spinoff. Fab/Cam, a subsidiary of Harshberger Prosthetic & Orthotic Center, Inc., produces artificial limbs using computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) techniques. The company was interested in replacing the plaster and corn starch materials that were traditionally used to produce molds for their prosthetic devices.
These molds were heavy, fragile, and could not be repaired if damaged. Fab/Cam worked with MSFC and Martin Marietta Space Systems (now Lockheed Martin Company) to adapt the commercial foam insulation system used on the Shuttle’s external tank as a disposable mold for their devices. Fab/Cam owner Jerald Harshberger noted that "these foam [molds] provided us with an alternative substitute in replacing plaster [molds].
NASA foam is lighter, less expensive and faster to manufacture, which financially helps our company and our patients. We are also able to mass produce the foam [molds] and distribute them to other prosthetists across the nation." (from TechFinder database.) Thus, NASA’s tragedy itself has, in a way, spun-off to benefit many disabled people on earth.
I think you have boxed yourself into a small myopic view of NASA if your using terms like "kool-aid".
Our nation would not be where it is today without all those things. YOUR life would be different today. Some would not be alive at all.
Government is not the best way to do a lot of things, hell most things.
Agreed. If it is in the yellow pages, then I agree. Go there first.
But sometimes a peoples must collectively agree to do things, not for a buck. But because they define who we are.
And cement in place what we will become.
You will not find that in the yellow pages.
Just like the military.
"You have to keep pushing the frontier not
just because it's there, but because that's how we find things that end up changing humanity," -Paul Hill, Mission Control
"We have been a frontier culture. We were born out of exploration, we were born out of adventure. We were born out of the plains and the mountains. We've been a very physical kind of culture. And so, if you look at adventure, if you look at exploration, if you look at immersion in nature, a physical culture, and all those things, you can see directly how space flight relates to the way America has been born and how it evolved." -Astronaut Story Musgrave
Three cheers for private industry ok?
I supported the X-Prize. I was a member of the X-Prize foundation. I suffered the giggle factor when I spoke of it for years.
Private industry will be able to do much.
But that is only part of the total equation.
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The phrase we need is: "One to beam down, Mr. Scott, when you are ready . . ." |
Keep believing that. From someone who has worked with government contractors and their companies it's not always the lowest bidder winning the contract. And when you figure in the padded waste, not to mention how far overbudget the project almost always comes in at, being the lowest bidder means nothing.
Do you really want to compare your I.Q. with an astronaut's?
As a matter of fact, yes I would be glad to do so.
Homely or not, joining the 220 mile high club would be quite a distinction, if not a first!
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