National Aeronautics and Space Administration

244 Pages·2015·21.95 MB·English

National Aeronautics and Space Administration
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Office of the Chief Technologist
NASA Headquarters
Washington, DC 20546
www.nasa.gov
2016
NP-2015-10-2096-HQ

2016
Technology Transfer Program
NASA Headquarters
Daniel Lockney, Technology Transfer Program Executive
Spinoff Program Office
On the cover: An artist’s concept of NASA’s
Goddard Space Flight Center Space Launch System, or SLS, is shown here
on its way to space. SLS is on track to be
Daniel Coleman, Editor-in-chief
the most powerful rocket ever built for deep
Samson Reiny, Senior Science Writer space exploration, with the ultimate goal of
Mike DiCicco, Science Writer sending humans to Mars. The system will
also support commercial and international
Amber M. Healy, Science Writer
partner transportation services, for crew and
John Jones, Senior Graphics Designer cargo, to the ISS.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
DEPARTMENTS PUBLIC SAFETY
60 Rice Crop Models Stabilize Global Markets,
5 Foreword Enable Efficient Irrigation
7 Introduction 64 GPS Sensor Web Helps Forecasters Warn of
8 Monumental Opportunities of the SLS Monsoon Flash Floods
14 Executive Summary 68 Analytic Tool Simplifies Metal Fracture
Assessments
26 NASA Technologies Benefiting Society
70 Mars Methane Detector Identifies Harmful
182 Partnership News Gas Leaks
196 Award-Winning Technologies 72 Hydrogen Detection Tape Saves Time
212 Spinoffs of Tomorrow and Lives
238 NASA Technology Transfer Program Directory 76 Single-Photon Lidar Maps Ground Features
Quickly, Efficiently
80 Temperature Sensors Cement Integrity
of Bridges
82 Primer Stops Corrosion without Requiring
HEALTH AND MEDICINE Rust Removal
30 Rodent Research Contributes to Osteoporosis
Treatments 8
34 Pressure Garments Save New Mothers’ Lives
38 Tool Kit Simplifies Development of High-Affinity
Molecules TRANSPORTATION
42 Space-Ready Spectrometer Offers Terrestrial
46 Unmanned Research Aircraft Test Cutting-Edge
Advantages
Innovations
48 Data Visualizer Enhances Modeling for Cars,
Consumer Products
50 Lightweight, Ultra-Strong Nanotubes to
Transform Industry
52 Multidisciplinary Software to Help Take Aircraft
to the Next Level
54 Orbital Trajectory Analyzer Takes Mission
Planning to New Heights
56 Open Source Aircraft Design Software Helps
Industry, Hobbyists
42 52
2 Table of Contents Spinoff 2016
CONSUMER GOODS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
86 NODE+ Platform Integrates Sensors with 132 System-Health Monitor Predicts Failures before
Smartphones They Happen
90 Precision Coffeemaker Adapts Brews to 136 Algorithm Predicts and Evaluates Storm Surges
Beans, Taste
140 Mars Rover Work Spawns PDF Collaboration
92 CO2 Recovery System Saves Software
Brewers Money, Puts Bubbles into Beer
142 Open Source Tools Popularize Infrastructure
94 Space Blanket-Inspired Cases Protect for Cloud Computing
Expensive Devices
144 Software Optimizes Designs from Spaceships
96 Antimicrobial Agent Updates Ancient Industry to Wind Turbines
of Prayer Mats
148 NASA Climate Analytics Support Biological
98 Heat-Reflecting Material Regulates Body Research
Temperature
152 Artificial Intelligence Targets Advertising by
100 Modified Monitor Provides Glasses-Free 3D for Understanding User
Pilots, Gamers
154 Modeling Software Helps Rocket Scientists Go
with the Flow
156 Electro-Optic Ceramic Creates High-Speed
Fiber-Optic Networks
86
INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTIVITY
160 DigitalClone Software Predicts, Extends
Machine Life
ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT
162 Cryocoolers Fuel Exploration in Space and
104 Flock of Nanosatellites Provides a Daily Picture of Earth on Earth
108 Multispectral Satellite Imagery Shows Farmers’ Fields in 164 Temperature-Resistant Materials Enable Space-
New Light Like Cold on Earth
112 Software Helps Restore Fire-Ravaged Habitats 168 Lasers Enable Alternative Power Transmission
116 Buildings for Manipulating Magnetism 172 Helium Recapture System Reclaims Hydrogen
Revolutionize Magnetometers for Industry Use
118 Cost-Saving Method Yields Solar Cells for 174 Laser Vision Helps Hubble, Package Shippers
Exploration, Gadgets See Clearly
120 Wide Area Thermal Imaging System Brings the 176 Space-Ready Durometers Measure Hardness
Landscape into Focus on Earth
122 Photocatalytic Water Splitter Stores Energy as Hydrogen 178 High-Temperature Superconductors Deliver
Power without Heat
126 Recycling Technology Converts Plastic Waste to Energy
180 Electrospray Thrusters Boost Efficiency,
128 Tiny Capsules Enable a World of Possibilities Precision
128
Spinoff 2016 Table of Contents 3
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.
In celebration of the Hubble Space
Telescope’s 25th anniversary in
April 2015, NASA revisited the Eagle
Nebula (M16), a region of space best
known as the subject of Hubble’s most
iconic photo, “Pillars of Creation,” taken
in 1995. The new image is bigger and
sharper than the original and, thanks
to its assembly from both visible and
near-infrared light, reveals details of the
M16 nebula that have never been seen
before. To learn more about the image
and explore it in full, scan this code.
Foreword
“The history of astronomy is a history of reced- system’s planets, as well as many of their moons, and they
ing horizons.” have given us our first up-close look at two dwarf planets,
These words were penned by Edwin Hubble, Pluto and Ceres, this past year.
the great astronomer whose namesake has, perhaps more There are many other groundbreaking accomplishments
than any other scientific instrument, expanded our knowl- I could tell you about, but I would also like to mention
edge of the universe. In 2015 we celebrated the Hubble the numerous secondary benefits that have resulted from
Space Telescope’s 25th year in operation, and what a Agency endeavors. Since the year Hubble went into orbit,
quarter century it has been for NASA missions—not to Spinoff has recorded nearly 1,200 examples of NASA tech-
mention the tangible benefits those missions have had for nology coming down to Earth in the form of commercial
the public, recorded each year in Spinoff. products and services. Spinoffs have made an impact on
Hubble has provided us with some of the most spec- nearly every facet of American life, from consumer goods
tacular images ever taken, and it has facilitated some of the used daily to critical improvements to our Nation’s pro- Charles F. Bolden, Jr.
most important scientific discoveries ever made. Its 25th ductive capacity and public infrastructure. Here at NASA, Administrator
anniversary has a special significance to me, as I served as transferring technology to the private sector is one of our
National Aeronautics and
a pilot on the Shuttle mission that placed Hubble in orbit. core missions.
Space Administration
For me, Hubble and everything it has accomplished serve A lot can happen in 25 years. A quarter century from
as an enduring symbol of the great things our Nation is now is the close of the decade in which we are planning
capable of when we test the limits of human possibility. the first trip to Mars by human explorers, sent there by
A lot can happen in 25 years. Twenty-five years ago, the Space Launch System and Orion spacecraft. And
astronomers were confident that many stars in our galaxy by 2040, Hubble’s successor, the powerful James Webb
also harbored planets, but we had yet to confirm their Space Telescope, will have completed its mission, giving
existence. Today—thanks to Hubble and the Kepler us even greater insight into the early universe and the
Mission—we’ve identified and confirmed more than one birth of the first galaxies. It will even allow us to study the
thousand exoplanets, some of them Earth-sized and orbit- composition of exoplanet atmospheres, a key capability for
ing within the habitable zone around their stars. determining whether there is life on other worlds.
At NASA, we are as excited as ever at the prospects the
In that same timespan, NASA and its international
next several decades of U.S. space and aeronautics mis-
partners constructed, flew, and assembled a permanent
sions hold in store for us. And the American public can
home for humans off the planet. Today, the International
rest assured that the missions we invest in today will not
Space Station serves as a test bed for new technologies, a
only continue to push back the horizons of human explo-
national laboratory for unique scientific research, and a
ration but also produce practical benefits that make life
training ground for us to learn how humans can live safely
better on Earth.
and even flourish in space.
Meanwhile, since 1990 NASA robotic missions have
flown by, orbited, or landed on all but two of our solar
Spinoff 2016 Foreword 5
Spinoff (spin´ôf) -noun.
1. A commercialized product incorporating NASA technology or expertise that
benefits the public. These include products or processes that:
• were designed for NASA use, to NASA specifications, and
then commercialized;
• are developed as a result of a NASA-funded agreement or know-how
gained during collaboration with NASA;
• incorporate NASA technology in their manufacturing process;
• receive significant contributions in design or testing from NASA
laboratory personnel or facilities;
• are successful entrepreneurial endeavors by ex-NASA employees
whose technical expertise was developed while employed by the Agency;
• are commercialized as a result of a NASA patent license or waiver;
• are developed using data or software made available by NASA.
2. NASA’s premier annual publication, featuring successfully commercialized
NASA technologies.
In recent years, NASA astronauts have become celebrities on
social media thanks to the stunning photos they capture from their
unique perspective orbiting Earth. Expedition 40 Commander Steve
Swanson posted this photograph, noting, “Western Sahara—the
contrast between the sand and the water is spectacular from here.”
To view the official Twitter feed of NASA astronauts, scan this code.
Introduction
Written in the Space Act that established NASA important crops, but a shortage of useful data during its
in 1958 is a call for the Agency to preserve the growth season has led to unstable markets, sharp price
United States’ place as a leader in space technol- fluctuations, and shortages. The new system provides
ogy—to pursue new knowledge that enables challenging
real-time crop yield predictions that will reduce risk and
missions into uncharted territory. While the first applica-
volatility in rice markets and, ultimately, help keep hungry
tions of these technologies are for the specific requirements
people fed. (page 60)
of NASA missions, the Agency also recognizes that such
knowledge will nearly always have broader applications, and • The world’s largest private fleet of nanosatellites now in
we regard the collective potential of our knowledge base as a orbit. A researcher at NASA who helped start the Agency’s
national resource. Also written into our foundational legisla-
innovative PhoneSat Project—which demonstrated the
tion is the requirement to “provide for the widest practicable
feasibility of constructing small, affordable satellites
and appropriate dissemination” of this knowledge. David Miller
using off-the-shelf parts—is now cofounder of a startup
Whether these technologies are patented inventions,
company that has raised over $100 million in investment. Chief Technologist
innovations created through partnerships with industry, or
Planet Labs’ groundbreaking flock of nanosatellites
software, the goal of the Technology Transfer Program is to National Aeronautics and
see them dispersed to the public as broadly as possible. We provides a daily picture of Earth that benefits a range Space Administration
also track results of our efforts—the commercial products and of commercial, research, nonprofit, and government
services known as spinoffs that you will read about in the fol- organizations. (page 104)
lowing pages. Each has its unique history, but all are examples
Alongside these success stories, you will also find 20
of how missions to space lead to wider practical benefits in
NASA inventions that the Technology Transfer Program has
every sector of the economy.
identified as having notable commercial potential, including
This year’s Spinoff features 52 technologies. Among my
information on how you can acquire them or partner with us
favorites are:
to develop them further (page 212).
• An FDA-approved drug, Prolia, used to treat osteoporosis.
Technology transfer is the Agency’s oldest continuously
Research on the effects of microgravity on mice, con-
ducted during Space Shuttle missions as well as aboard the operated mission, but our work is ongoing and of continuing
International Space Station, validated the effectiveness of significance. Today there are many new technologies being
an antibody incorporated in the drug for preventing bone developed at NASA, and we are hard at work accelerating
loss. The company is using data from its NASA partner- the rate at which they end up in the hands of companies and
ship in two other drugs still in development. (page 30) organizations that can put them to use in spinoff applications.
• The Rice Decision Support System, created under We are proud to present Spinoff 2016 as the latest showcase
contracts with NASA and using data from various of success stories from this effort, and I hope that you enjoy
Earth-imaging satellites. Rice is among the world’s most reading it.
Spinoff 2016 Introduction 7
Monumental
Opportunities
of the SLS
As NASA sets its sights once again on
pushing the boundaries of human space
exploration, the Agency is returning to the
Apollo-like configuration of a small crew
capsule launched by a massive rocket.
Nonetheless, the Space Launch System,
set to become the world’s biggest rocket,
also conceals traces of the Space Shuttle
Program. And, as a familiar design is
brought into the 21st century, it carries the
promise of untold spinoff technologies over
the coming decades.