United States
NASA Robot Arm Used for Knee Surgery
Barrett Technology has collaborated with NASA to develop innovative upgrades to Barrett’s robotic arm technology. The extra funding allowed Barrett to advance the WAM’s (whole arm manipulator) electronics and software for better arm performance and safety.
Buying a Ride on a Soyuz And Teaching Students, Too
On October 12, 2008, American Richard Garriott paid $30 million to Space Adventures to travel aboard the Soyuz TMA-13 to the International Space Station as a self-funded spaceflight participant. During his mission, Garriott conducted educational outreach as well as scientific and environmental research.
Space-based Discovery of More Mayan Ruins
Remote sensing satellite data is also assisting archaeologists. In early 2008, archaeologists who teamed with NASA scientists over the past five years announced the discovery of five sprawling ancient Mayan sites in Guatemala consisting of hundreds of buildings.
Infrared Satellite Payloads Enlisted to Combat West Nile Virus
A collaborative effort between NASA and the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) involves using satellite imagery to study and combat disease. Although this type of collaboration has occurred before, the new effort aims to formalize a training program.
ESA Researches Dirty Bomb Detection
From research that was conducted on ESA’s Integral spacecraft, a U.K.-based company created a gamma-ray detection device that can identify radioactive material and explosives in dirty bombs. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security joined the research after signing a contract to develop a next-generation radiation detection system.
First SBIRS GEO Satellite Placed In Orbit
In May 2008, Lockheed Martin announced a major testing milestone in a space-based missile launch detection satellite. The first Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) geosynchronous orbit spacecraft, to be launched in 2009, will provide new missile detection and surveillance capabilities.
CHIRP Gets a Commercial Bird
Small payloads inserted in a larger satellite with a separate mission are known as hosted payloads. Initiatives such as the Commercially Hosted Infrared Payload Flight Demonstration Program represent a continuing partnership between commercial satellite manufacturers, operators, and defense organizations.
Text a Target and Identify in 10 Minutes
New satellite technology is also being developed to allow warfighters to detect and identify targets within a 10-minute time frame. The technology, to be tested on TacSat-3, uses a hyperspectral imager, dubbed the Advanced Responsive Tactically Effective Military Imaging Spectrometer (ARTEMIS), in combination with onboard processing to obtain and transmit images to soldiers on the ground.
Bomber Gets EHF Satellite Communications System
Advanced spacecraft and ground equipment will allow military users faster access to information via satellite. Three satellites in development and testing will provide tactical military communications, including real-time video, targeting data, and battlefield maps for the U.S. Department of Defense.
Space Shuttle Technology Reduces Drag
NASA conducted aerodynamic research during the 1980s and 1990s that created products that reduce drag on cars and trucks. Aeroserve Technologies and its subsidiary, Airtab, used the results of aerodynamic research on high performance aircraft and the Space Shuttle to develop the Airtab vortex generator.