NASA Spinoff

Amplified Power of Traveling-Wave Tubes

Traveling-wave tubes designed for NASA are being used not only for satellite systems but also ground applications.

Modeling 3D-Printed Metal Parts for Space and Earth

Software for modeling metal parts before 3D printing provides significant savings in cost and time compared to conventional physical testing.

Expediting Search and Rescue After Earthquakes

NASA-designed technology helps detect people trapped under several feet of rubble after earthquakes.

Sensors Read Minds and Restore Movement

Resulting in applications once thought impossible, sensor technology for understanding mind-body interface builds on research for space travel.

A New Standard in Imagery

After 50 years of NASA’s Landsat, discovery of new commercial and scientific uses is only accelerating.

Giant Batteries Deliver Renewable Energy When It’s Needed

In developing its flow battery, Oregon-based ESS drew from groundbreaking research and development conducted by NASA more than 40 years ago.

Space Radiation Research Fights Cancer on Earth

Inspired by NASA’s research of certain segments of DNA to estimate radiation damage, Promega Corp. used the technique to create its own diagnostic test which is used to customize cancer treatment.

Space to Sea: An Underwater Robot Takes a Deep Dive

Aquanaut, built on lessons from NASA’s robot astronaut, will cut costs for ocean industries.

Preventing Gridlock on the Ground

NASA technology is enabling airline flight managers to improve managing traffic on the ground and scheduling departures.

Webb Telescope Mirror Tech Improves Eye Surgery on Earth

Eye surgery patients on Earth are benefiting from early research on the NASA’s James Webb Telescope’s enormous mirrors.

Robust Bus Systems for CubeSats

NASA resources helped mature technologies to make CubeSats more capable, so everyone can use them.

Next-Generation High-Performance Lasers

NASA’ Deep Space Network (DSN), a sort of GPS system for space, relies on atomic clocks for extreme accuracy. Any modern navigation system must accurately time radio signals to triangulate a location....

Combating COVID-19 with Clean Air Tech

NASA-derived air-quality technologies help curtail the spread of COVID-19 pandemic.

NASA’s Robotic Glove Finds its Fit

NASA’s grip-strengthening glove technology aims to reduce workplace stress injuries.

LED Lighting Beyond Space

NASA’s lighting research gives people on Earth better rest and helps plants grow.

Answering the Call of Distress

Software created with NASA expertise improves satellite-based search and rescue system.

NASA Software Helps Weather Forecasting Around the Globe

Satellite scheduling software helps consolidate data acquisition and improve weather forecasting.

Artificial Intelligence for Astronauts Monitors Patients at Home

Software that monitors astronaut health in space now monitors high-risk patients at home.

Keeping Warmer in the Great Outdoors

A long-time apparel insulator develops its own takes on popular NASA spinoff material.

Metallic Glass Gears Up for Cobots, Coatings, and More

A bulk metallic glass could slash prices of collaborative robots and lead to advanced 3D-printed metals.

Microphone Detects Turbulence Hundreds of Miles Away

A NASA microphone that detects unseen air turbulence is lofted to high heights aboard a stratospheric glider.

Measuring Moon Dust to Fight Air Pollution

NASA’s need to contain hazardous lunar dust led to technology that senses other pollutants.

Taking Out the Trash, NASA-Style

A NASA-developed technology for testing heat shields transforms garbage into reusable chemicals.

Astronaut Experience Inspires Single-Handed Drone Flight Controller

The interface enables one person to accomplish tasks that previously required two sets of hands.

Hot Water on Demand

With a clever design by NASA, waiting for hot water could be a thing of the past.

Odor-Eliminating Shoe Inserts Rely on NASA-Tested Activated Carbon Cloth

The inserts use a material that NASA has considered for spacecraft filters.

NASA Brings Airport Communications into the Digital Age

Pilots and air traffic controllers no longer will rely solely on voice communications.

NASA Brain-Training Technology Makes Smart Glasses

With a technique first used at NASA, researchers are making glasses that can improve your concentration.

Water-Powered Engines Offer Satellite Mobility

The technology could allow deep-space exploration without running out of propellant.