In 1958, a Congressional Mandate directed the National Aeronautics and
Space Agency to ensure for the widest possible dissemination of its research
and development results. Thus, the Scientific and Technical Information
(STI) Program was born. While this program addressed mostly the timely dissemination
of information to NASA, NASA contractors, other government agencies, and
the public, technologies were identified that were clearly transferrable
and applicable to industry for additional use in the development of commercial
products and services. Such considerations spun off the Technology Utilization
Program.
The very successful program went through several name changes and is
today called the NASA Commercial Technology Program.
The changes that have occurred over time are not only name changes, but
program changes that have dramatically altered the philosophy, mission,
and goal of the program. It has been identified that a more intense and
proactive outreach effort within the program is necessary in order to make
the newest and latest technologies available to industry now--at the time
the technology is actually developed.
The NASA Commercial Technology Network (NCTN), its interaction with industry
at all levels through a large network of organizations and offices, is contributing
to the success of small, medium, and large U.S. businesses to remain globally
competitive.
At the same time, new products and services derived from the transfer
and application of NASA technology benefit everyone.
This publication is one true measurement of NASA's commitment and technique
to transfer all applicable technologies through the employment of modern
approaches and outreach concepts--the new way of doing business. The benefits
(spinoffs) to you, the taxpayer are forever increasing, and improving the
quality of life for all humankind. These benefits represent a substantial
dividend from the national investment in aerospace research.
We hope that each year this publication continues to demonstrate--through
a kaleidoscope of NASA efforts and commercial successes--the variety of
projects and programs resulting in transferrable technologies that may be
adopted by industry; the mechanism that is in place to facilitate commercialization;
and spinoff products and services that have come to our attention in recent
times.
Dr. Robert L. Norwood
Director, Commercial Programs Division
National Aeronautics and Space Administration | 
