Space Products & Innovation
Space Products and Services – TSR 2013
2012 – Emerging Technologies
While space has many practical applications that are already making real differences in people’s daily lives, many more research activities are still in the early stages of development. Depending on their maturity and complexity, the practical uses of these research avenues are not always well understood or guaranteed.
2012 – Space Products and Services Overview
Products and services derived from or enabled by space assets, technologies, or activities provide tangible benefits to people on Earth and continue to improve the quality of life in countries around the world, often in ways that are not readily apparent.
NASA Refining Ultrasound for Athletic and Spinal Injuries
NASA’s Advanced Diagnostic Ultrasound in Microgravity (ADUM) research team developed training modules and remote guidance techniques that would allow astronauts to perform accurate ultrasounds on patients after just minutes of training.
Curiosity’s X-Ray Instruments Identify Earth Minerals
Since instruments developed for spaceflight often need to withstand harsh conditions and be small and lightweight, they can be used in new or enhanced applications on Earth. By the time the Curiosity rover landed on Mars in August 2012, one of its instruments had already inspired a portable tool for geologists on Earth.
This Shoe Tracks You and then Phones Home
The Aetrex Navistar is a shoe that can be used to track patients with diseases such as Alzheimer’s or dementia who are at risk of wandering off and becoming lost. Using a GPS receiver and cellular transmitter located in the heel of the shoe, position information is transferred automatically to a secure server.
Earth Observation Data in the Russian War on Drugs
Russia is working to use remote sensing data from satellites to identify narcotic plants as they are being cultivated. Researchers hope to distinguish between particular plant species by subtle differences in the way they reflect light.
Astronaut Retinal Camera Finds Use In Earthbound Examinations
Provizion Optics developed a retinal camera attachment to be used by astronauts in orbit to study the effect of zero gravity on their eyes. Although originally designed for use in space, the device’s ability to go anywhere and send images to medical professionals located elsewhere made it a convenient way to examine people’s eyes on Earth.
NASA’s Particle Detection Methods A Weapon Against Dirty Bombs
Scientists from the University of New Hampshire and the Michigan Aerospace Corporation have adapted space technology to detect radioactive and fissile materials that can be used in nuclear devices, including “dirty bombs,” which spread harmful radioactive material into the environment.
Beefing Up Military Satellite Communications
The U.S. Department of Defense launched its first Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) satellite in February 2012. With four more planned satellites, MUOS will provide global ultra-high-frequency (UHF) communications coverage, which has the advantage of being resistant to signal blockages by foliage, urban structures, or inclement weather.