Browse Resources by Year

2008 – Civil Space Activity

The trend of globalization in space activity continues, with nations entering into agreements to use each other’s infrastructure and space assets. Two decades ago only the United States, the Soviet…

Space Technology Hall of Fame and Space Certification – 2008 Inductees

Exhibit 2d contains a list of Space Foundation Space Technology Hall of Fame® Inductees for 2008.

Better Vision Abnormality Detection With Refraction

NASA scientists have modified optics technology for a low-cost, high-volume eye screening method using a light-bending technique called photorefraction. NASA transferred the license for the screening technology to the Vision Research Corporation.

NASA-based Filter Makes Dental Water Cleaner

Water purification technology designed by NASA for use in space life support systems continues to find terrestrial uses. Umpqua Research received funding from NASA to conduct research on the development of air and water purification technologies for the space missions.

NASA Robot Arm Used for Knee Surgery

Barrett Technology has collaborated with NASA to develop innovative upgrades to Barrett’s robotic arm technology. The extra funding allowed Barrett to advance the WAM’s (whole arm manipulator) electronics and software for better arm performance and safety.

Buying a Ride on a Soyuz And Teaching Students, Too

On October 12, 2008, American Richard Garriott paid $30 million to Space Adventures to travel aboard the Soyuz TMA-13 to the International Space Station as a self-funded spaceflight participant. During his mission, Garriott conducted educational outreach as well as scientific and environmental research.

Space-based Discovery of More Mayan Ruins

Remote sensing satellite data is also assisting archaeologists. In early 2008, archaeologists who teamed with NASA scientists over the past five years announced the discovery of five sprawling ancient Mayan sites in Guatemala consisting of hundreds of buildings.

Telemedicine Aiding in Disaster Areas

The European Space Agency, in coordination with the Institut de Medecine et de Physiologie Spatiales, is developing a telemedicine solution to improve post-crisis management in areas struck by natural disasters or epidemics.

Infrared Satellite Payloads Enlisted to Combat West Nile Virus

A collaborative effort between NASA and the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) involves using satellite imagery to study and combat disease. Although this type of collaboration has occurred before, the new effort aims to formalize a training program.

ESA Researches Dirty Bomb Detection

From research that was conducted on ESA’s Integral spacecraft, a U.K.-based company created a gamma-ray detection device that can identify radioactive material and explosives in dirty bombs. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security joined the research after signing a contract to develop a next-generation radiation detection system.