We, NASA, will stick to our
vision... We like stretching the boundaries. We like proving that things
that couldn't be done yesterday will be done tomorrow. We like making the
extraordinary happen..
-- Daniel S. Goldin NASA Administrator
Aerospace Research and Development
For the past 25 years, NASA Spinoff has covered successful technology
transfer from NASA to private industry. In 1973, then called simply the
Technology Utilization Program Report, the first issue of the annual
publication featured a story on an automated bacteria detection system
derived from one used on NASA's Mars-Voyager spacecraft. In this issue,
DiaSys Corporation's automated workstation for microscopic analysis also
incorporates technology from space research but in a smaller, faster, easier-to-use
model. Recycling nonferrous metals from discarded autos featured in 1973
has been updated by the 1997 story on Cryopolymer's application of NASA
cryogenic techniques for extracting and recycling rubber from tires.
The original technologies that were eventually transferred to commercial
industry would not have existed but for the initial aerospace research
and development. Without the Apollo program, cooling systems for the disabled
or rechargeable pacemakers would not be the same--or might not exist at
all. Materials used in astronaut space suits are now used to protect firefighters
on Earth. Technology from the Hubble Space Telescope makes breast biopsies
quicker and more accurate, and helped scientists decipher previously unreadable
portions of the Dead Sea Scrolls.
Although the Space Station is still a twinkle in NASA's eye, spinoffs
from research for long-duration space travel are already appearing. Studies
of algae as a food source, recycling agent and oxygen source resulted in
a highly nutritious baby formula. Materials research for the space station
led to metals used in faucets that prevent scalding from hot water; as
illustrated in this issue, these materials also offer improvements in golf
clubs.
This section gives a brief description of what NASA Headquarters and
each of the ten field centers are doing to contribute to American scientific
and technological growth, comparing the years 1973 and 1997 in tribute
to the 25th year of spinoff coverage. Just as the Apollo program, Mars-Voyager,
and past NASA expertise have led to practical benefits on Earth, it is
likely that the current research and development featured in these next
pages will lead to tomorrow's revolutionary new commercial products.
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