NASA Tech Briefs Insider Blog

Last week, we asked INSIDERs if you thought NASA’s decision to add a shuttle mission in 2008 to service the Hubble Space Telescope was worth the risk. An overwhelming 94 percent of you said it was worth it to keep Hubble operational, with only 6 percent saying no. Here’s some of what you had to say:

“I fully support the decision by NASA to add a Hubble repair mission. Exploring space will always be dangerous — it is not mankind’s natural environment. While unnecessary risk should be avoided, the continued ascent of mankind will always require that people be willing to step forth and face the dangers of the unknown.” C.K. Andersen

“Not only should NASA service the Hubble, their roadmap needs to include the means of performing on-orbit service missions, for Hubble or other high-value platforms. I would be extremely disappointed if we lost all ability to perform such missions after the retirement of the shuttle.” B. Haselrick

“Hubble is worth repairing and updating. I wish when I was younger we had this type of technology. My daughters both love astronomy and are fascinated with Hubble’s images and discoveries. In another 20 years, if they continue this love, who knows what we will discover, or what they will discover.” B. Hager

This week’s question concerns a proposed ban in all New York City restaurants on the use of trans fat in an attempt to keep the population heart-healthy. Many restaurant owners are concerned that their food will not taste the same with replacement ingredients.

Should we be allowed to eat unhealthy food if we choose, or should the government make that choice for us through food bans? Should the government decide what we’re allowed to eat? Submit your answer at:
http://link.abpi.net/l.php?20061113A12

Smart Materials with Precisely Controlled Constriction Properties A multi-billion-dollar electronics company seeks proposals describing responsive materials having controllable planar constriction.
http://link.abpi.net/l.php?20061113A3

Testing of Pressurized Hydrogen Storage Devices and Systems General Motors Corporation/Opel FCA is globally seeking proposals for the testing of pressurized hydrogen storage devices and systems for fuel cell vehicles.
http://link.abpi.net/l.php?20061113A4

The Technology Business Needs portray technology acquisition profiles intermediated by NextTechs Technology Exchange.

NextTechs Technologies, LLC is a Global Technology Investment Bank engaged in technology offers and needs intermediation in over 41 industries and 141 research disciplines. Search NextTechs’ Technology Portfolio at http://link.abpi.net/l.php?20061113A15.

Torque Measurement Methods
This white paper from HBM outlines torque measurement in the following areas: calculation from electrical power, measuring reaction torque, measuring in-line torque, and strain gages in torque measurement. It showcases torque measurement products in action and details how measurement experts measure torque.
Read the White Paper >>

Understanding Nonlinear Analysis
This white paper from COSMOS explains the differences between linear and non-linear analysis and how to understand various types of non-linear behavior.
Read the White Paper >>

ATK Launch Systems is the world’s leading manufacturer of solid rocket motor systems for space launch vehicles. We are looking for experienced engineers and project managers to work with us on Ares I, the successor to the space shuttle. Open house for qualified candidates will be held November 13 and 14 at the Crowne Plaza Los Angeles International Airport from 3:00 - 8:00 PM.

Please click here to learn more about ATK.

AST Bearings (Montville, NJ) introduced the High Carbon Chromium Steel Tapered Roller Bearings line, comprised of the inner and outer rings, tapered rollers, and a cage (roller retainer). The rings and rollers carry the load; the cage spaces and retains the rollers on the inner ring.
For more information click here.

Harmonic Drive (Peabody, MA) introduced the FHA Mini Actuator, a hollow shaft, brushless servo actuator. The unit is a combination brushless DC servomotor and an encoder, with a through-bore up to 14 mm in diameter. The flanged output is supported by a bearing structure allowing the load to be mounted to the actuator. The maximum torque is up to 250 in-lb, with an accuracy of 1.5 arc minutes.
For more information click here.

Intelligent Motion Systems (IMS, Marlborough, CT) released the MDrivePlus motion control system for brushless motor applications. The unit features 20 microstep resolutions to 51,200 (fell step, degrees, metric, and arch minutes), a motion control system-on-a-chip, electronic gearing, 6,385 bytes of program storage, and analog input to 10 VDC. Drive voltage ranges include +12 to +75 VDC and 120 and 240 VAC.
For more information click here.

MRC Bearing Services (Kulpsville, PA) released the custom-engineered “HNCR” steel bearings made from high-nitrogen corrosion-resistant steel. The bearings display a hardness of 58 HRC, and have an extended fatigue life. Chromium has been added to further augment durability and corrosion resistance.
For more information click here.

See the December edition of Motion Control Technology — inside selected editions of NASA Tech Briefs — for more on these and other new products. Search products by category online by clicking here