Browse Resources by Year

Earth Observation Data in the Russian War on Drugs

Russia is working to use remote sensing data from satellites to identify narcotic plants as they are being cultivated. Researchers hope to distinguish between particular plant species by subtle differences in the way they reflect light.

Astronaut Retinal Camera Finds Use In Earthbound Examinations

Provizion Optics developed a retinal camera attachment to be used by astronauts in orbit to study the effect of zero gravity on their eyes. Although originally designed for use in space, the device’s ability to go anywhere and send images to medical professionals located elsewhere made it a convenient way to examine people’s eyes on Earth.

NASA’s Particle Detection Methods A Weapon Against Dirty Bombs

Scientists from the University of New Hampshire and the Michigan Aerospace Corporation have adapted space technology to detect radioactive and fissile materials that can be used in nuclear devices, including “dirty bombs,” which spread harmful radioactive material into the environment.

Beefing Up Military Satellite Communications

The U.S. Department of Defense launched its first Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) satellite in February 2012. With four more planned satellites, MUOS will provide global ultra-high-frequency (UHF) communications coverage, which has the advantage of being resistant to signal blockages by foliage, urban structures, or inclement weather.

Making Afghan Communications A SNAP

Beginning in 2012, new satellite communications terminals are being deployed at Afghan National Police Training Centers. The new access points are able to provide both classified and unclassified network access, which increases operational security while conserving valuable secure bandwidth.

Wing Sensor Improves Driver Odds During Crash

Space technology has also been adapted by Volkswagen to create safer cars. A very thin sensor strip originally developed by ESA to measure pressures on the wing of a space plane turned out to be well-suited for use in automotive crash testing.

Vibrating Spacecraft Leads to Underground Sonic Scanners

Space technology has even enabled “seeing” through solid rock, a feat that is being used in tunnel drilling applications. By analyzing the way sound waves move through rock, underlying geological features can be revealed.

Satellite Navigation and Timber Management

From 2011 to 2013, the ESA Business Incubation Center in Bavaria is hosting WASP-Logistik, which has been developing software that takes computer code originally developed for satellite navigation and applies it to timber management.

“I’ve Got a Golden GPS!”

Inspired by the story of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Nestlé devised its own version of the Golden Ticket contest, but with a decidedly space-age twist. Customers in the United Kingdom and Ireland who discover one of six GPS trackers packaged with a Nestlé chocolate bar will win £10,000 ($15,706).

Apollo Dress Shirts?

Innovative companies are constantly looking for new ways to bring spacederived technology to the retail market. A company started by MIT graduates, called Ministry of Supply, is bringing phase-change materials used in NASA spacesuits to Earth as a product called the “Apollo dress shirt.” The fabric regulates heat, moisture, and body odor, while maximizing wearer comfort. To fund the development, Ministry of Supply started a crowd-funding campaign via the Kickstarter website.