2011
Disinfecting Hospitals with Space Plasma
Since 2001, researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics have been studying plasma, which is electrically charged gas. Based on this research, these scientists are now developing a new way for hospitals to keep patients safe from infections.
Cheaper Experiment Launches?
Suborbital spaceflight companies are hoping to provide future researchers with a quicker, cheaper method of carrying out research in space, even if only for a few minutes at a time. Given the unique conditions experienced on these flights, companies expect that scientists will use this opportunity to carry out experiments in many areas, including materials science, biology, astronomy, and climate research.
Measuring Gravity With Gravity Probe B
Our understanding of the Universe relies on scientific theories, and it is important that these theories be tested using available methods. In May 2011, scientists working on the Gravity Probe B project announced that a set of orbiting gyroscopes had reaffirmed Albert Einstein’s theory of general relativity.
Tracking With GPS Needs A Warrant
Though GPS tracking can be an effective way of following suspected criminals, its use by police is now more restricted. In January 2012, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled unanimously that police erred in not obtaining a warrant before attaching a tracking device to a suspect’s car.
Bulletproof “Smartvest” Sends Alerts and Location When Hit
Laipac Technology has developed a bulletproof vest that incorporates GPS, sending an automatic alert when the vest is fired upon. This allows a separate team to immediately locate soldiers or police officers that have been attacked, providing backup or medical assistance.
Smartphones, Tablets, and Satellites Help “Boots on the Ground”
The military is finding that new smart devices, such as phones, enabled by space assets can improve soldiers’ ability to carry out their missions. In the past, a helicopter pilot trying to locate U.S. troops under attack would have to find the group by locating the right map, unfolding it, and pinpointing the position of the troops.
Satellite and SEAL Teamwork Gets The Bad Guy
Surveillance satellites are used on a daily basis for military planning and intelligence. The military operation against Osama Bin Laden in 2011 is a prime example of how these space assets are used. After the CIA and U.S. military determined the potential location of Osama Bin Laden’s compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan, satellite images were used to create a detailed map from above.
Infrared Satellite News, High and Low
The satellite component of the U.S. Missile Defense program made great strides in 2011. The Space Tracking and Surveillance System (STSS), launched in 2009, completed its last test focus area required by the Missile Defense Agency in April 2011, five months ahead of schedule.
Ship Tracking Satellites To Be Launched
Satellite-based ship monitoring is expected to develop as a large new business in 2012, providing global coastal authorities with information about ships farther out at sea, beyond the reach of coastal radar systems.
More Efficient Glass Coatings
Space technology also has a role to play in manufacturing. Technology originally developed to measure oxygen atoms outside space vehicles is now being used by glass manufacturers to produce energy-efficient windows. Oxygen is highly corrosive, so levels of this atom around the space station need to be carefully monitored.