Introduction

NASA’s enduring contributions in aerospace research and development trace their origin to the Wright Brothers’ historic flight in December 1903. This year, we celebrate the 100th anniversary of that flight and almost 10 decades of the National Advisory Committee of Aeronautics’ (NACA) and NASA’s spectacular accomplishments in space and here on Earth. In 19l5, Congress established NACA “to supervise and direct the scientific study of the problems of flight, with a view to their practical solution.” Congress could not anticipate at that time the future impact this legislation would have for every American and the global community.

Today, NASA continues to reach milestones in space exploration with the Hubble Telescope, Earth-observing systems, the Space Shuttle, the Stardust spacecraft, the Chandra X-Ray Observatory, the International Space Station, the Mars rovers, and experimental research aircraft—these are only a few of the many initiatives that have grown out of NASA engineering know-how to drive the Agency’s missions. The technical expertise gained from these programs has transferred into partnerships with academia, industry, and other Federal agencies, ensuring America stays capable and competitive.

With Spinoff 2003, we once again highlight the many partnerships with U.S. companies that are fulfilling the 1958 Space Act stipulation that NASA’s vast body of scientific and technical knowledge also “benefit mankind.” This year’s issue showcases innovations such as the cochlear implant in health and medicine, a cockpit weather system in transportation, and a smoke mask benefiting public safety; many other products are featured in these disciplines, as well as in the additional fields of consumer/home/recreation, environment and resources management, computer technology, and industrial productivity/manufactacturing technology.

Also in this issue, we devote an entire section to NASA’s history in the field of flight and showcase NASA’s newest enterprise dedicated to education. The Education Enterprise will provide unique teaching and learning experiences for students and teachers at all levels in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The Agency also is committed, as never before, to engaging parents and families through NASA’s educational resources, content, and opportunities. NASA’s catalyst to intensify its focus on teaching and learning springs from our mission statement: “to inspire the next generation of explorers … as only NASA can.”

NASA has proven in the past that it is up to the task and that it is ready for the future.