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Demiseable Reaction Wheel Assembly
This reaction wheel assembly is designed to melt of burn up (demise) upon re-entry to Earth’s atmosphere, making it ideal for low-Earth-orbit missions that require uncontrolled re-entry (re-entry in which the spacecraft is designed to demise).
+ Read more
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GPS-Enhanced Onboard Navigation System (GEONS)
The GEONS flight software package provides onboard orbit determination and control in real time, with higher accuracy, without human intervention, and while requiring minimal onboard computing resources. It substantially improves definitive and predictive accuracy of Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver point solution fixes.
+ Read more |
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GPS-MAGNAV – A low cost, light-weight, autonomous navigation system
The GPS-MAGNAV navigation system provides autonomous LEO navigation in a self-contained unit. It combines GPS-based navigation with a magnetometer for an efficient, lower cost, and lighter weight system.
+ Read more
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GPS Receiver Determines Attitude Rate Using Doppler Effect
This new method for low-noise attitude rate determination uses Global Positioning System (GPS) signals and the Doppler effect and eliminates the need for heavy and expensive gyroscopes and star trackers. It offers a low-noise, lightweight, and lower cost method for determining attitude rate for satellites and potentially for aviation and marine vehicles.
+ Read more |
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The Navigator GPS Receiver
The Navigator is an autonomous, real-time, fully space-flight-qualified GPS receiver with exceptional capabilities for fast signal acquisition and weak signal tracking. These features enable the use of GPS navigation in high-Earth orbit (HEO), geostationary orbit, and other high altitude applications.
+ Read more
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Precision Aerial GPS Antenna Positioning System
This innovative GPS antenna system reduces loss of signal by sensing changes in aircraft attitude and automatically adjusting the antenna to maintain signal strength and quality.
+ Read more |
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Reaction/Momentum Wheel
This technology is a small, high-torque reaction/momentum wheel for small satellites, spacecraft attitude control, and stability. The technology helps significantly lower the risks and financial investments normally associated with introducing a new spacecraft component.
+ Read more
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Adaptive Sensor Fleet
Researchers at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center have developed the Adaptive Sensor Fleet (ASF)—a software architecture that allows remote-controlled platforms, such as boats, aircraft, rovers, satellites, or other vehicles or hardware, to work collaboratively in support of a single scientific goal. ASF is ideal for oceanographic and planetary research; search-and-rescue operations; and military, mining, and security missions.
+ Read more
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Global Alert Resolution Network (GARNET)
GARNET is an enterprise software application capable of delivering emergency and time-sensitive alerts to affected individuals via a variety of communication channels.
+ Read more |
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Estimated Spectrum Adaptive Postfilter
This new technology is proven to enhance quality of compressed grayscale or color JPEG images and MPEG video clips commonly used on Web sites, online applications, and streaming media.
+ Read more |
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Sensor Web 2.0
Sensor Web 2.0 is a revolutionary software architecture that allows users to access and control global sensors quickly and easily over the Internet. Sensor Web 2.0 gathers data from a variety of sensors and assimilates them into a network that detects fires, floods, volcano eruptions, and other threats to the Earth as well as human and animal life and vegetation.
+ Read more |
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Standard Autonomous File Server (SAFS)
SAFS software offers faster, more reliable, automated management and distribution of large data files. It enables prioritized delivery of data, allowing multiple clients to automatically receive or request data.
+ Read more |
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Hilbert-Huang Transform Technology (HHT)
The HHT is a highly efficient and accurate data analysis tool that provides full energy-frequency-time distribution of data, identifies very local events of abrupt frequency changes, and portrays energy-frequency more precisely than traditional methods.
+ Read more |
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Integrated Structural Dynamic Analysis and Test Program
The Integrated Structural Dynamic Analysis and Test Program software package enables near real-time test and analysis performance as well as organization and integration of both test and analysis data.
+ Read more |
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Recursive Hierarchical Segmentation (RHSEG) Software
The RHSEG software provides a new approach to image analysis that offers selectable levels of detail to increase accuracy for two-dimensional (and potentially three-dimensional) images.
+ Read more |
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Electromechanical Devices
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Miniature Pump Actuator
This small, lightweight, low-power actuator technology can make highly precise adjustments. As a result, the actuator can serve as a flow or pressure sensor (probe), can precisely move a fluid (pump), or provide other capabilities for a wide range of applications.
+ Read more |
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Submicron-Sized Tips
This method for producing arrays of pointed structures or cones can be used in a wide variety of electronic and mechanical equipment applications. It is a low-cost, simple method that yields a template containing large numbers of cones that are uniform in size and equally spaced. This template then can be easily coated with metals or semiconductors to tailor the mechanical and electrical properties of the tip.
+ Read more |
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Computer-Controlled Power Tool
This new computer-controlled power tool can be used to turn a drill bit, wrench socket, screwdriver, or other tool bit clockwise or counterclockwise at a precisely controlled speed, torque, or number of turns.
+ Read more |
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Dead-End Welding Device
Designed for use in the welding of tubing, this technology solves the problem of unacceptable welds in dead-end configurations. The technology produces consistently high-quality dead-end welds in a fraction of the time required when using conventional welding techniques.
+ Read more |
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Compliant Cable Mechanism
Compliant mechanisms provide customized structural response and mitigate shock and vibration damage in applications as diverse as medical devices, industrial and recreation equipment, and ergonomic designs.
+ Read more
+ View success story video (SAM) |
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Gear Bearings
Gear Bearings are an innovative architecture that combines the gear and bearing functions into a single part to reduce weight, parts count, and costs.
+ Read more |
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Roller Locking Technologies
Superior roller locking devices include a one-way bearing that incorporates Goddard's three-dimensional roller locking sprags and thrust rollers.
+ Read more |
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Three-Dimensional Roller Element Bearing
This bearing technology combines the benefits of single row bearings— lightweight, low parts count, small size, and high load carrying—with the ability of tandem or double-row bearings to carry any combination of radial and axial loads.
+ Read more |
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NanoCompass Provides New Capabilities in Magnetometry and Strain Sensing
This lightweight, low-power magnetometer is based on a single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) network. Called the “NanoCompass,” the sensor’s dimensions are intrinsically nanoscale, allowing for new capabilities in magnetometry.
+ Read more
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Lower Cost Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Without Metal Catalysts
This is a simple, safe, and inexpensive method to create SWCNTs without the use of a metal catalyst.
+ Read more
+ See Nanotailor success story
+ See ISM success story
+ View "Nanotechnology at NASA" video |
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Aluminum Super Polish Technology
This technology uses diamond turning and polishing with a special compound to achieve a smooth surface—down to 5 angstroms—on an all-aluminum mirror. Mirrors fabricated using this process are lighter, less expensive, and more thermally stable than aluminum mirrors plated with electroless nickel.
+ Read more |
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Direct-Solve Image-Based Wavefront Sensing
This revolutionary new approach directly solves for wavefront errors using only a single broadband in-focus image as input. No nonlinear, iterative algorithms (e.g., phase retrieval) are required. This technique is designed for speed and can be used in any open- or closed-loop control system.
+ Read more |
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Fiber Optic Technologies
New technologies improve the quality and reliability of fiber-optic assemblies, including chemical stripping of optical fibers, reduced bubbles in adhesives, and optical fiber connector polishing.
+ Read more
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Fixed-Lens Optical Design Simplifies and Accelerates the Wavefront-Sensing Process
This new optical design simplifies and accelerates the data collection process for focus-diverse wavefront sensing (WFS) by using a fixed-lens technique, resulting in a simpler, faster, and more cost-effective method for introducing defocus diversity for image-based WFS.
+ Read more |
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Frequency-Doubled Wavelength-Division-Multiplexed Laser for Lidar
This new method enables the production of multiple high-power, frequency-doubled laser beams at a fraction of the cost of current methods. This will benefit several NASA missions and offers greater spatial coverage and resolution, making it ideal for mapping, underwater communication systems, and detection of gases in the atmosphere.
+ Read more
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Holographic Circle-to-Point Converter
The circle-to-point converter can be used in applications requiring spatial or spectral separation, such as atmospheric monitoring, meteorology, data storage, compression, and more.
+ Read more |
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Hybrid Diversity Algorithm for Image-based Wavefront Sensing
The Hybrid Diversity Algorithm (HDA) can replace an interferometer using software that runs on a standard laptop. While the technology requires very little additional hardware, which makes it very cost effective, it also provides a highly accurate and precise means for measuring and controlling optical system performance.
+ Read more
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Micro Pulse Lidar
This innovative Micro Pulse Lidar (MPL) system provides autonomous monitoring of atmospheric variables. Improved technology makes the MPL system an eye-safe, reliable, small, sensitive, and efficient detection device for use in several commercial applications .
+ Read more
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Multiple-Wavelength Lidar System for Vegetation Mapping
This new active vegetation index measurement technique enables remote differentiation of vegetative and nonvegetative surfaces. The first method of its kind, this spectral-ratio biospheric lidar system enables researchers to both discriminate between and monitor changes in photosynthetic surfaces.
+ Read more |
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Nanophase Dispersion Strengthened Invar 36
This conceptual method strengthens Invar® 36, a nickel-iron alloy featuring a very low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). Goddard’s method uses a nanoscale material as a reinforcing phase to form a metal matrix composite offering a stronger, lighter, and stiffer material while still maintaining the very low thermal expansion characteristic of Invar 36.
+ Read more |
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Photon Counting Microaltimeter
The photon-counting microaltimeter technology offers a smaller, faster, less expensive, more reliable, and more power-efficient alternative to current laser altimeter systems.
+ Read more |
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Process for Producing High-Quality, Lightweight Mirrors Using Single-Crystal Silicon
This new, patent-pending process helps significantly reduce the risk, time, and costs associated with producing lightweight mirrors for demanding instrument applications. The method employs a solid disc of single-crystal silicon (SCS) and calls for most of the polishing to be completed before lightweighting.
+ Read more |
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PseudoDiversity – Direct Wavefront Control and Image Restoration at High Bandwidth
This innovative approach for recovering wavefront data provides accurate and precise alignment for optical systems. It has the advantage of no extraneous hardware and uses the same optical path as the optical instrument, eliminating the introduction of non-common path errors.
+ Read more |
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Sensor and Detector Technologies
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Biologically Inspired Sensor Webs and Other Systems
These space-program technologies are designed to increase the functionality of sensor webs and other autonomous and autonomic (self-directing and self-managing) systems. Inspired by biological systems, Such communication improvements enable real-time monitoring, rapid alerting, and automatic quiescence (self-sleep/standby) and apoptosis (self-destruction) in a wide range of applications involving large, complex systems.
+ Read more
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Low-Cost, Accurate Monitor of RF-Induced Currents
This patented, wearable device provides a superior means for monitoring radio frequency (RF)-induced currents in the human body, making it useful for operators of RF equipment in plastics manufacturing, personnel who work with antennas or transmitters, and others exposed to RF radiation.
+ Read more |
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Capaciflector-based Technology for Advanced Capacitive Sensing
This capacitive sensor enables numerous technologies. The sensor can be used singly or in closely packed arrays for diverse applications. Industries that can benefit from this technology include automotive, industrial robotics, and security.
+ Read more |
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Dual-Axis, Direct, Fluid Shear Stress Sensor Offers Nonintrusive Measurement in a Small Package at Low Cost
This dual-axis, direct, fluid shear stress sensor quantitatively measures the shear force vector in a nonintrusive manner. Fabricated using microelectromechanical system (MEMS) technology, this new innovation offers micro size along with low-cost reproduction.
+ Read more
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Multifrequency-Scanning Capaciflector
This capacitive sensor provides a unique combination of capabilities: fast material composition identification and proximity measurement. It performs all of the functions of typical proximity sensors with hardware and software extensions to scan and analyze capacitance-versus-frequency data, enabling material identification.
+ Read more |
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Real-Time Optical Parylene Thickness Sensor
NASA's new sensor technology improves thickness control in parylene and other polymer deposition systems, providing alerts of batch-to-batch process variations and enabling precise and repeatable controls. It provides measurements of deposited film thickness ranging from .5 to 30 microns and lowers production time and cost by reducing errors and material waste.
+ Read more |
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Subassemblies and Components
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Absolute Cartesian Sensor Technologies
This Absolute Cartesian Encoder and Cartesian Electronic Absolute Autocollimator provide a dual-axis optical encoder and autocollimator with near-perfect orthogonality, stability, and high accuracy.
+ Read more
+ See also, Linear and Rotary Encoder Technologies |
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Linear and Rotary Encoder Technologies
The Linear and Rotary Absolute Optical Encoders with Ultra-high Resolution are highly efficient, temperature-resistant encoders with high sensitivity. These technologies use an area array image sensor to measure the relative and absolute position of an object by imaging a microlithographic scale on the object.
+ Read more
+ See also, Absolute Cartesian Technologies |
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Innovative Microvalve Technology
This double-latching solenoid valve offers greater reliability than existing technologies while being smaller, lighter, costing less, and using less energy.
+ Read more |
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Telecommunications and Internet
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Compact Low-Loss Planar Magic-T
This new compact low-loss planar Magic-T boosts signal receptivity for improved measurements by microwave and millimeter-wave antenna networks. The invention reduces signal loss, improves broadband response, and offers simplified integration. The Magic-T is also less expensive than other methods to produce and maintains good in-band performance.
+ Read more
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Radiation-Hardened, High-Data-Rate Ka-Band Modulator and Transmitter
This new Ka-band modulator and transmitter make higher frequencies possible and offer many benefits. This technology, and the circuits and manufacturing procedures developed to build it, will enable future high-data-rate missions to build Ka-band systems with lower risk and lower non-recurring development costs.
+ Read more |
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Spacewire
A highly reliable, streamlined method for high- and low-rate avionics communication using the spaceWire link-and-switch implementation. This significant advancement helps reduce the complexity of communication over satellite architecture applications and other space-flight systems while improving speed and reliability.
+ Read more
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Portable, Low-Cost, Nondestructive Materials Testing
A new nondestructive method has been developed for evaluating degree of cure, variations in chemical composition, and defect states in resin-based composites and metal oxides—data currently unobtainable through X-ray testing. Featuring a novel use of ultraviolet spectroscopy and imaging, this highly portable technique has proven effective at testing materials used in spacecraft thermal protection systems.
+ Read more
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Surface Interaction Model for Enhanced Particulate Distribution Analysis
The surface interaction model (SIM), predicts the behavior of solid particles that contact a surface in a low-pressure environment. Inserting the SIM into a larger particle transport simulator allows for a more accurate picture of particle behavior, which is of particular importance in the contamination analysis of spacecraft as well as in non-aerospace applications, such as microelectronics.
+ Read more |
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