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The official NASA code only prohibits the consumption of alcohol before test flights. A new ammendment will be added to include mission flights as well.
Interviews conducted by panel claim astronauts flew drunk

When it rains, it pours at NASA.  Yesterday NASA officials disclosed that a space program worker attempted to sabotage a computer intended for the International Space Station.  Today a panel of outside experts, formed after the arrest of astronaut Lisa Nowak in February, found that NASA allowed astronauts to fly while intoxicated on at least two occasions.

One of the flights included an astronaut that used a training jet to fly from Florida to his home in Houston after the shuttle flight was delayed for mechanical difficulties. In another instance an astronaut was allowed to fly on a Russian spacecraft after drinking heavily.

Colonel Richard Bachmann, head of the panel, stated on a conference call, “In none of these events can we say factually they did or did not occur.” He further remarked that it was not the panel’s mission to investigate these allegations that investigation was up to NASA.

NASA issued a statement claiming that they know of no instances where astronauts were drunk prior to a flight, but they are investigating. A long standing policy prohibits alcohol consumption within 12 hours of an astronaut flying a training jet. That policy was not officially applied to space flights, but was more of an understanding that it held true for space flight as well. As a result of the panel’s report NASA will officially add space flights to the rule.

The report indicated some interviewees felt NASA put unnecessary risk to clear the mission rather than provide safety to the personnel and equipment.

Further interviews conducted by the panel show that flight surgeon medical opinions reported to NASA higher-ups were ignored.  Concerns raised by other crew members about substandard performance of astronaut duties were also ignored according to the panel report.

Shana Dale, NASA Deputy Administrator also issued a statement, claiming, "The Administrator and I have directed NASA’s Chief of NASA’s Office of Safety and Mission Assurance to undertake an internal safety review."  She added,  "He will gather information, conduct necessary analyses, and determine the facts of the reported alcohol-related incidents."

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Great picture
By 3kliksphilip on 7/27/2007 8:29:42 PM , Rating: 1
Well, it made me laugh. Where do you get all of these pictures from?

And as for the story... How can people drink before doing something like this? Surely the experience enough will be exciting and difficult enough? And, once they drink enough, what happens to sick in space?




RE: Great picture
By MisterChristopher on 7/27/2007 8:44:35 PM , Rating: 5
Maybe they feel like they might as well get drunk because they are only half sure if they are going to make it or not.

Might as well get drunk before someone blows you up.


RE: Great picture
By arazok on 7/27/2007 10:34:48 PM , Rating: 2
I'd probably want to do the first flight sober so I can remember it for what it is, an amazing experience.

But once I had that under my belt, the rest is just fun. Personally, I'd prefer to try popping a hit of acid. Now THAT would be a trip...


RE: Great picture
By eman 7613 on 7/28/2007 3:44:53 PM , Rating: 4
1) I think you have be crazy to sit on 4 tons of highly explosive fuel thats supposed to propel you into space, i think having a few beers takes the edge off.

2) Do you want to be the only sober sob on a Russian space craft? Two drink minimum or you aint getting on the shuttle i bet ;p


How about...
By INeedCache on 7/29/2007 6:58:03 AM , Rating: 4
"Houston, we have a hangover".




RE: How about...
By Darith on 7/29/2007 10:01:34 PM , Rating: 1
HAHHAA Great one!


well
By S3anister on 7/27/2007 5:54:51 PM , Rating: 2
Let's just hope they were drinking some good spirits...




RE: well
By goz314 on 7/27/2007 6:00:56 PM , Rating: 2
Kentucky Corn Whiskey...


Buzz
By Squidward on 7/27/2007 8:10:23 PM , Rating: 2
"Buzz" Aldrin, Where are you when we need you?




sounds too familiar
By fredsnotdead on 7/27/2007 11:04:20 PM , Rating: 2
"The report indicated some interviewees felt NASA put unnecessary risk to clear the mission rather than provide safety to the personnel and equipment."

This sounds like what happened with the Challenger disaster. The engineers warned them that the o-rings on the booster rockets shouldn't be used when the temperatures on the launch pad were too low. See Feynman's book.




So do I
By depravedone on 7/27/2007 11:20:30 PM , Rating: 2
I always drink when I fly, so what's the difference?




Dutch courage
By Kevil on 7/28/2007 7:07:43 AM , Rating: 2
Dutch courage anyone?




Good scientific experiment.
By OcHungry on 7/29/2007 8:04:20 AM , Rating: 2
I guess this can go into the books as a scientific experiment on how alcohol affects brain in weightlessness. Or how an astronaut floats in space under influence.
What do you call it? AUI?




By RosscoB on 7/29/2007 2:03:35 PM , Rating: 2
I find this very interesting that the news and media is going crazy over astronauts getting drunk in flight. Yes, perhaps intoxication can be an issue but the fact remains the only reason that we found out about this is because someone supposedly sabotaged the spacecraft. Don't we need to find out how this happened rather than spending all this time discussing how an astronaut got drunk?




The reality
By mindless1 on 7/31/2007 12:55:19 AM , Rating: 2
For all the great ideals and billion dollar budgets, we have to remember that the exceedingly brave souls who fly these missions are HUMAN, they face a higher probability of death than practically anyone else you will ever meet (unless you happen to be a WWII veteran on the front line) and if they have a drink or two, all we can really do is to address their concerns as well as possible, not judge them.

Yes, alcohol is a problem but more than that it is a symptom of man's vulnerability. The most important part is whether one drinks or not when they know they MUST keep their edge. Not every situation is critical but when it is, one cannot risk others for their own luxuries.




one for my peeps back on earth
By zaki on 7/27/2007 6:41:31 PM , Rating: 1
one for me, and one for my peeps on earth

intergalactic rocket chase, imagine that: pull over your shuttle!




So?
By Netscorer on 7/27/2007 8:57:09 PM , Rating: 1
"In another instance an astronaut was allowed to fly on a Russian spacecraft after drinking heavily" - actually, Russian spacecraft flying manual prohibits operating while being sober. It came from a long Russian tradition to drink before long voyage. Designers found it easier to simply recalibrate controls to 2vlpp standards (2 Vodka liters per person) rather then risk the spacecraft in the hands of kosmoholics as they teasingly named test pilots.




haha
By ttnuagadam on 7/28/2007 9:13:57 AM , Rating: 1
does anyone really even care? "ZOH SHITE! I FLEWZA SPACESHOOTLE INTUH MIR"!!




Damn!
By shaw on 7/27/07, Rating: 0
Yay, ANOTHER NASA Embarassment
By elmikethemike on 7/27/07, Rating: -1
RE: Yay, ANOTHER NASA Embarassment
By Gatt on 7/27/2007 6:31:45 PM , Rating: 2
While I agree that they've had one mishap after another for the last few years, Joke? Please. NASA's achieved incredible things over it's lifetime, few if any space programs can compare.

They just need a new boss, and a budget. Cause I'll guarantee you if you privatise the space industry, all they'll go looking for is mining opportunities and won't care about advancing the bulk of human knowledge.


RE: Yay, ANOTHER NASA Embarassment
By Tsuwamono on 7/27/2007 7:31:56 PM , Rating: 2
although im completely against privatizing it, an import idea is raised when you think about it.

They will go out to mine, which means they will need workers there, which means they will need colonys.. which means we will be out there a hell of alot faster then sending robot after robot out like NASA does.


RE: Yay, ANOTHER NASA Embarassment
By Ringold on 7/28/2007 12:44:41 AM , Rating: 2
quote:
although im completely against privatizing it


I don't think most people, if they sat and thought about the whole range of things that NASA does, would really privatize the whole thing. Privatize the manned spaceflight part? Sure. Launch facilities, cargo, all those sorts of things? Absolutely, free enterprise can do it faster, cheaper, and a more effectively.

But private enterprise's incentive to conduct science in absence of government research, while existant, is too small to act on. Therefore, science shouldn't/wouldn't be privatized. Things like the advanced navigation and propulsion research done by NASA couldn't be replicated in the free market (though competitions X-Prize-style has proven effective), so like other things that serve the public good but don't get private funding due to profitability being ten, twenty or more years out, that part of NASA shouldn't/wouldn't be privatized.

But everything else? I don't know why not. Communist Russia, thus far, is the one showing we capitalist's how it's done. Which is sort of.. upsettting..

Your model of how a colony would form is dead-on, though. First come the miners. Then it becomes affordable to have some service staff. Then it becomes profitable to bring them entertainment. Then those people need services. Then people start staying there full-time -- with families. Families need a full range of services. Very similar to the colonization of America.. First farmers, then related services, ultimately came the families, and so on..


RE: Yay, ANOTHER NASA Embarassment
By alifbaa on 7/27/2007 9:24:19 PM , Rating: 2
Space is privatized. Anyone with the funds can launch anything or anyone they want. Just look at the Rutan/Branson project that produced the first completely private manned space flight.

We've also had commercial satellites in space for several decades now. Although those satellites are usually launched from government sites and often involve piggy backs on government rockets, that is a reflection of the huge costs involved with space flight, not government regulation.

To my knowledge, the only government regulation involved with space flight thus far is the coordination of launch times with air traffic control and site security. If anything, we will need more regulation in the future as space travel becomes cheaper and more routine and launch sites begin to proliferate.


RE: Yay, ANOTHER NASA Embarassment
By masher2 (blog) on 7/28/2007 12:46:12 AM , Rating: 4
> "Space is privatized. Anyone with the funds can launch anything or anyone they want"

This just isn't true at all. A couple odd decades ago, private rocket launches were simply illegal, period. The Commercial Space Flight Act opened things up slightly, but there still is a huge raft of governmental regulation and even intergovernmental treaties to navigate. A would-be space company must garner permits and licenses from two different FAA bodies-- the Commercial Space Transportation board, and the Aircraft Certification and Regulation Office. You also need a signoff from the EPA, as well as various state and local bodies.

All in all, its a tremendously expensive and time-consuming process, even for "experimental craft" allowed only to carry test pilot(s). For commercial craft designed to carry the paying public, the regulatory framework just doesn't exist yet. While a few startups such as SpaceX have been lobbying Congress for a change, its not yet certain if and when it'll ever be granted.


RE: Yay, ANOTHER NASA Embarassment
By alifbaa on 7/28/2007 8:58:09 AM , Rating: 1
What you just described is a privatized industry that is government regulated. Up until the mid 80's, NASA was viewed as a public good. The commercial space flight act you described is precisely what privatized the industry.

The government regulations SpaceX and their competitors weave their way through are merely more stringent versions of the regulations aircraft manufacturers and commercial operators go through all the time. You can't make an airplane without complying with international noise abatement and pollution treaties or without getting your aircraft -- even experimental aircraft -- certified. The myriad of regulations are both daunting and expensive, yet the industry is privatized.

I said it before and I'll say it again. "Space is privatized. Anyone with the funds can launch anything or anyone they want."


RE: Yay, ANOTHER NASA Embarassment
By masher2 (blog) on 7/28/2007 10:25:35 AM , Rating: 4
> "What you just described is a privatized industry that is government regulated"

No, because the vast bulk of space flight-- even commercial space flight-- is performed by governmental bodies. This does not meet the definition of a privatized industry.

More importantly, NASA is, at present, the only body authorized to lift many types of manned and even unmanned missions.

No one can launch "anything or anyone they want". They can only launch what the government approves....and right now, that's precious little. From the mission statement of the FAA's CST board:

quote:
The FAA issues a commercial space transportation license when we determine that your launch or reentry proposal or your proposal to operate a launch or reentry site will not jeopardize public health and safety, property, U.S. national security or foreign policy interests, or international obligations of the United States


And this is just one of the many bodies to which a would-be spaceflight operator must visit, hat in hand, years in advance of each and every launch.


RE: Yay, ANOTHER NASA Embarassment
By alifbaa on 7/28/2007 11:07:49 AM , Rating: 1
Masher, I've got worlds of respect for you and the work of your site, but what you are describing is government regulation and perhaps domination, but (in economic terms) it is not a government run business. The fact that it is possible for a commercial company like SpaceX to put something into even suborbital space means that the space industry is privatized.

True, most launches originate from government sites using government rockets. The reason for this is not because the government won't allow companies to develop their own facilities. It is because the government makes its facilities available and effectively subsidizes the cost of the launch facilities and vehicles. In short, it is cheaper to use the government to put your satellite into space than it is to do it yourself.

Also, even if you use the government's services, you'll still need to go through most of the same regulatory bodies before your launch and satellite will be approved. Again, this is regulation, not ownership.

Finally, in this "privatized" world you envision, do you seriously not want companies to prove they will not "jeopardize public health and safety, property, U.S. national security or foreign policy interests, or international obligations of the United States?" Of course you don't. I'm sure you see this as reasonable regulation because without it, you'd have rockets exploding with their caustic chemicals spreading over populated areas or companies launching Chinese spysats.

As I see it, you can argue all you want to about the need to make private space flight regulation easier to navigate, and you'll probably be right. I know from my professional experience that the government drastically over-regulates air travel. But to say that the space industry in the US is owned and run by the government is incorrect.

My point is only that you need to differentiate between ownership and regulation. Privatization is not necessarily an absence of regulation, it is placing a public good (space flight) in private hands (corporate ownership).


RE: Yay, ANOTHER NASA Embarassment
By masher2 (blog) on 7/28/2007 11:36:01 AM , Rating: 3
> "The fact that it is possible for a commercial company like SpaceX to put something into even suborbital space means that the space industry is privatized"

SpaceX has not yet carried a commercial cargo; the company is not yet a commercial venture. They hope to do so in 2009.... if they can get government approval. Right now only a tiny fraction of all potential cargoes are even legal for private launch. Hopefully that situation will change in the near future.

> "do you seriously not want companies to prove they will not "jeopardize public health and safety, property, U.S. national security or foreign policy interests, or international obligations of the United States?" "

Public health and safety, sure. But the phrase "might damage national security or foreign policy interests" is carte blanche to deny anything or everything. The government has already blocked a large number of ventures, simply because they felt the cargoes were "more suitable" to be carried by NASA or worse, because they felt it wouldn't sit well with a foreign nation.

> "to say that the space industry in the US is owned and run by the government is incorrect"

The government owns 98% of the industry, and heavily oversees every step of the remaining 2%. I just don't feel that fits the definition of a privatized industry.


RE: Yay, ANOTHER NASA Embarassment
By alifbaa on 7/28/2007 11:56:02 AM , Rating: 2
Fair enough.

I think the argument will be moot in a few years anyway. Once manned commercial space tourism becomes a reality, it will hopefully start scaling pretty quickly into a real industry just like air travel did. 100 years ago, private flight was still the purview of the mega-wealthy out for a good time too, and then it started being used for more commercial purposes. When that happens to space travel, regulation will have to be scaled back fairly quickly.


By Procurion on 7/29/2007 3:59:24 PM , Rating: 2
Splitting hairs are we all...:)
A little reference material from Wikipedia;
'During the early years of spaceflight only nation states had the resources to develop and fly spacecraft. Both the U.S. space program and Soviet space program were operated using mainly military pilots as astronauts. During this period, no commercial space launches were available to private operators, and no private organization was able to offer space launches. Eventually, private organizations were able to both offer and purchase space launches, thus beginning the period of private spaceflight.

The first phase of private space operation was the launch of the first commercial communications satellites. The U.S. Communications Satellite Act of 1962 opened the way to commercial consortia owning and operating their own satellites, although these were still launched on state-owned launch vehicles.'
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Private_spaceflight


RE: Yay, ANOTHER NASA Embarassment
By dluther on 7/27/2007 9:02:46 PM , Rating: 1
Expensive joke you say?

Name a more successful program. Name a program that has yielded 1/2 as many material benefits to other sectors. Oh, and quantify your remarks.

I eagerly look forward to this...


RE: Yay, ANOTHER NASA Embarassment
By INeedCache on 7/29/2007 7:22:30 AM , Rating: 2
Why don't you tell us what the great benefits are of these $450 million per mission space shuttle excursions? If you can't think of a better way to spend $450 million, I think you're in the vast minority.


By Procurion on 7/30/2007 7:39:17 AM , Rating: 2
Computer Technology - NASA Spinoffs

GROUND PROCESSING SCHEDULING SYSTEM - Computer-based scheduling system that uses artificial intelligence to manage thousands of overlapping activities involved in launch preparations of NASA's Space Shuttles. The NASA technology was licensed to a new company which developed commercial applications that provide real-time planning and optimization of manufacturing operations, integrated supply chains, and customer orders.uu

SEMICONDUCTOR CUBING - NASA initiative led to the Memory Short Stack, a three-dimensional semiconductor package in which dozens of integrated circuits are stacked one atop another to form a cube, offering faster computer processing speeds, higher levels of integration, lower power requirements than conventional chip sets, and dramatic reduction in the size and weight of memory-intensive systems, such as medical imaging devices.

STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS - This NASA program, originally created for spacecraft design, has been employed in a broad array of non-aerospace applications, such as the automobile industry, manufacture of machine tools, and hardware designs.

WINDOWS VISUAL NEWS READER (Win Vn) - Software program developed to support payload technical documentation at Kennedy Space Center, allowing the exchange of technical information among a large group of users. WinVn is an enabling technology product that provides countless people with Internet access otherwise beyond their grasp, and it was optimized for organizations that have direct Internet access.

AIR QUALITY MONITOR - Utilizing a NASA-developed, advanced analytical technique software package, an air quality monitor system was created, capable of separating the various gases in bulk smokestack exhaust streams and determining the amount of individual gases present within the stream for compliance with smokestack emission standards.

VIRTUAL REALITY - NASA-developed research allows a user, with assistance from advanced technology devices, to figuratively project oneself into a computer-generated environment, matching the user's head motion, and, when coupled with a stereo viewing device and appropriate software, creates a telepresence experience.

Other spinoffs in this area include: Advanced keyboards, Customer Service Software, Database Management System, Laser Surveying, Aircraft controls, Lightweight Compact Disc, Expert System Software, Microcomputers, and Design Graphics.


By Procurion on 7/30/2007 7:39:52 AM , Rating: 2
Consumer/Home/Recreation - NASA Spinoffs

ENRICHED BABY FOOD - A microalgae-based, vegetable-like oil called Formulaid developed from NASA-sponsored research on long duration space travel, contains two essential fatty acids found in human milk but not in most baby formulas, believed to be important for infants' mental and visual development.

WATER PURIFICATION SYSTEM - NASA-developed municipal-size water treatment system for developing nations, called the Regenerable Biocide Delivery Unit, uses iodine rather than chlorine to kill bacteria.

SCRATCH-RESISTANT LENSES - A modified version of a dual ion beam bonding process developed by NASA involves coating the lenses with a film of diamond-like carbon that not only provides scratch resistance, but also decreases surface friction, reducing water spots.

POOL PURIFICATION - Space technology designed to sterilize water on long-duration spacecraft applied to swimming pool purification led to a system that uses two silver-copper alloy electrodes that generate silver and copper ions when an electric current passes through them to kill bacteria and algae without chemicals.

RIBBED SWIMSUIT - NASA-developed riblets applied to competition swimsuits resulted in flume testing of 10 to 15 percent faster speeds than any other world class swim-suit due to the small, barely visible grooves that reduce friction and aerodynamic drag by modifying the turbulent airflow next to the skin.

GOLF BALL AERODYNAMICS - A recently designed golf ball, which has 500 dimples arranged in a pattern of 60 spherical triangles, employs NASA aerodynamics technology to create a more symmetrical ball surface, sustaining initial velocity longer and producing a more stable ball flight for better accuracy and distance.

PORTABLE COOLERS/WARMERS - Based on a NASA-inspired space cooling system employing thermoelectric technology, the portable cooler/warmer plugs into the cigarette lighters of autos, recreational vehicles, boats, or motel outlets. Utilizes one or two miniaturized modules delivering the cooling power of a 10-pound block of ice and the heating power of up to 125 degrees Fahrenheit.

SPORTS TRAINING - Space-developed cardio-muscular conditioner helps athletes increase muscular strength and cardiovascular fitness through kinetic exercise.

ATHLETIC SHOES - Moon Boot material encapsulated in running shoe midsoles improve shock absorption and provides superior stability and motion control.

Other spinoffs in this area include: Dustbuster, shock-absorbing helmets, home security systems, smoke detectors, flat panel televisions, high-density batteries, trash compactors, food packaging and freeze-dried technology, cool sportswear, sports bras, hair styling appliances, fogless ski goggles, self-adjusting sunglasses, composite golf clubs, hang gliders, art preservation, and quartz crystal timing equipment.


By Procurion on 7/30/2007 7:40:24 AM , Rating: 2
Environmental and Resource Management - NASA Spinoffs

MICROSPHERES - The first commercial products manufactured in orbit are tiny microspheres whose precise dimensions permit their use as reference standards for extremely accurate calibration of instruments in research and industrial laboratories. They are sold for applications in environmental control, medical research, and manufacturing.

SOLAR ENERGY - NASA-pioneered photovoltaic power system for spacecraft applications was applied to programs to expand terrestrial applications as a viable alternative energy source in areas where no conventional power source exists.

WEATHER FORECASTING AID - Space Shuttle environmental control technology led to the development of the Barorator which continuously measures the atmospheric pressure and calculates the instantaneous rate of change.

FOREST MANAGEMENT - A NASA-initiated satellite scanning system monitors and maps forestation by detecting radiation reflected and emitted from trees.

SENSORS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL - NASA development of an instrument for use in space life support research led to commercial development of a system to monitor an industrial process stream to assure that the effluent water's pH level is in compliance with environmental regulations.

WIND MONITOR - Development of Jimsphere wind measurement balloon for space launches allows for making high resolution measurements of the wind profile for meteorological studies and predictions.

TELEMETRY SYSTEMS - A spinoff company formed to commercialize NASA high-data-rate telemetry technology, manufactures a high-speed processing system for commercial communications applications.

PLANT RESEARCH - NASA research on future moon and Mars bases is investigating using plants for food, oxygen, and water to reduce the need for outside supplies. This research utilizes Hydroponics (liquid nutrient solutions) instead of soil to support plant growth and finds applications for vegetable production on Earth.

FIRE RESISTANT MATERIAL - Materials include chemically-treated fabric for sheets, uniforms for hazardous material handlers, crew's clothing, furniture, interior walls of submersibles and auto racer and refueler suits.

RADIATION INSULATION - Aluminized polymer film is highly effective radiation barrier for both manned and unmanned spacecraft. Variations of this space-devised material are also used as an energy conservation technique for homes and offices. The materials are placed between wall studs and exterior facing before siding or between roof support and roof sheathing. The radiant barrier blocks 95% of radiant energy. Successful retrofit installations include schools and shrink wrap ovens.

Other spinoffs in this area include: Whale identification method, environmental analysis, noise abatement, pollution measuring devices, pollution control devices, smokestack monitor, radioactive leak detector, earthquake prediction system, sewage treatment, energy saving air conditioning, and air purification.


By Procurion on 7/30/2007 7:40:55 AM , Rating: 2
Health and Medicine - NASA Spinoffs

DIGITAL IMAGING BREAST BIOPSY SYSTEM - The LORAD Stereo Guide Breast Biopsy system incorporates advanced Charge Coupled Devices (CCDs) as part of a digital camera system. The resulting device images breast tissue more clearly and efficiently. Known as stereotactic large-core needle biopsy, this nonsurgical system developed with Space Telescope Technology is less traumatic and greatly reduces the pain, scarring, radiation exposure, time, and money associated with surgical biopsies.

BREAST CANCER DETECTION - A solar cell sensor is positioned directly beneath x-ray film, and determines exactly when film has received sufficient radiation and has been exposed to optimum density. Associated electronic equipment then sends a signal to cut off the x-ray source. Reduction of mammography x-ray exposure reduces radiation hazard and doubles the number of patient exams per machine.

LASER ANGIOPLASTY - Laser angioplasty with a "cool" type of laser, caller an excimer laser, does not damage blood vessel walls and offers precise non-surgical cleanings of clogged arteries with extraordinary precision and fewer complications than in balloon angioplasty.

ULTRASOUND SKIN DAMAGE ASSESSMENT - Advanced instrument using NASA ultrasound technology enables immediate assessment of burn damage depth, improving patient treatment, and may save lives in serious burn cases.

HUMAN TISSUE STIMULATOR - Employing NASA satellite technology, the device is implanted in the body to help patient control chronic pain and involuntary motion disorders through electrical stimulation of targeted nerve centers or particular areas of the brain.

COOL SUIT - Custom-made suit derived from space suits circulates coolant through tubes to lower patient's body/ temperature, producing dramatic improvement of symptoms of multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, spina bifida and other conditions.

PROGRAMMABLE PACEMAKER - Incorporating multiple NASA technologies, the system consists of the implant and a physician's computer console containing the programming and a data printer. Communicates through wireless telemetry signals.

OCULAR SCREENING - NASA image processing techniques are used to detect eye problems in very young children. An electronic flash from a 35-millimeter camera sends light into the child's eyes, and a photorefractor analyzes the retinal reflexes, producing an image of each eye.

AUTOMATED URINALYSIS - NASA fluid dynamics studies helped development of system that automatically extracts and transfers sediment from urine sample to an analyzer microscope, replacing the manual centrifuge method.

MEDICAL GAS ANALYZER - Astronaut-monitoring technology used to develop system to monitor operating rooms for analysis of anesthetic gasses and measurement of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen concentrations to assure proper breathing environment for surgery patients.

VOICE-CONTROLLED WHEELCHAIR - NASA teleoperator and robot technology used to develop chair and manipulator that respond to 35 one-word voice commands utilizing a minicomputer to help patient perform daily tasks, like picking up packages, opening doors, and turning on appliances.

Other spinoffs in this area include: Arteriosclerosis detection, ultrasound scanners, automatic insulin pump, portable x-ray device, invisible braces, dental arch wire, palate surgery technology, clean room apparel, implantable heart aid, MRI, bone analyzer, and cataract surgery tools.


By Procurion on 7/30/2007 7:41:22 AM , Rating: 2
Industrial Productivity/Manufacturing Technology - NASA Spinoffs

MAGNETIC LIQUIDS - Based on the NASA-developed ferrofluid concept involving synthetic fluids that can be positioned and controlled by magnetic force, the ferrofluidic seal was initially applied in a zero-leakage, nonwearing seal for the rotating shaft of a system used to make semiconductor chips, solving a persistent problem‹contamination due to leaking seals.

WELDING SENSOR SYSTEM - Laser-based automated welder for industrial use incorporates a laser sensor system originally designed for Space Shuttle External Tank to track the seam where two pieces of metal are to be joined, measures gaps and minute misfits, and automatically corrects the welding torch distance and height.

MICROLASERS - Based on a concept for optical communications over interplanetary distances, microlasers were developed for the commercial market to transmit communication signals and to drill, cut, or melt materials.

MAGNETIC BEARING SYSTEM - Bearings developed from Space Shuttle designs support moving machinery without physical contact, permitting motion without friction or wear, and are now used in electric power generation, petroleum refining, machine tool operation, and natural gas pipelines.

ENGINE LUBRICANT - A NASA-developed plasma-sprayed coating is used to coat valves in a new, ten-inch-long, four-cylinder rotary engine, eliminating the need for lubricating the rotorcam, which has no crankshaft, flywheel, distributor, or water pump.

INTERACTIVE COMPUTER TRAINING - Known as Interactive Multimedia Training (IMT), originally developed to train astronauts and space operations personnel, now utilized by the commercial sector to train new employees and upgrade worker skills, using a computer system that engages all the senses, including text, video, animation, voice, sounds, and music.

HIGH-PRESSURE WATERSTRIPPING - Technology developed for preparing Space Shuttle solid rocket boosters first evolved into the U.S. Air Force's Large Aircraft Robotic Paint Stripping (LARPS) system, and now used in the commercial airline industry, where the waterjet processing reduces coating removal time by 90 percent, using only water at ultra-high pressures up to 55,000 psi.

ADVANCED WELDING TORCH - Based on the Variable Polarity Plasma Arc welding technology, a handheld torch originally developed for joining light alloys used in NASA's External Tank, is now used by major appliance manufacturers for sheet metal welding.

Other spinoffs in this area include: Gasoline vapor recovery, self-locking fasteners, machine tool software, laser wire stripper, lubricant coating process, wireless communications, engine coatings, and engine design.


By Procurion on 7/30/2007 7:41:51 AM , Rating: 2
Public Safety - NASA Spinoffs

RADIATION HAZARD DETECTOR - NASA technology has made commercially available new, inexpensive, conveniently carried device for protection of people exposed to potentially dangerous levels of microwave radiation. Weighing only 4 ounces and about the size of a cigarette pack, it can be carried in a shirt pocket or clipped to a belt. Unit sounds an audible alarm when microwave radiation reaches a preset level.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE ROBOT - Remotely-operated robot reduces human injury levels by performing hazardous tasks that would otherwise be handled by humans.

PERSONAL ALARM SYSTEM - Pen-sized ultrasonic transmitter used by prison guards, teachers, the elderly, and disabled to call for help is based on space telemetry technology. Pen transmits a silent signal to receiver that will display the exact location of the emergency.

EMERGENCY RESCUE CUTTERS - Lightweight cutters for freeing accident victims from wreckage developed using NASA pyrotechnic technology.

FIREMAN'S AIR TANKS - Lighter-weight firefighter's air tanks have been developed. New back-pack system weighs only 20 lbs. for 30 minute air supply, 13 lbs. less than conventional firefighting tanks. They are pressurized at 4,500 psia (twice current tanks). A warning device tells the fireman when he or she is running out of air.

PERSONAL STORM WARNING SYSTEM - Lightning detector gives 30-minute warning to golfers, boaters, homeowners, business owners, and private pilots.

SELF-RIGHTING LIFE RAFT - Developed for the Apollo program, fully inflates in 12 seconds and protects lives during extremely adverse weather conditions with self-righting and gravity compensation features.

Other spinoffs in this area include: Storm warning services (Doppler radar), firefighters' radios, lead poison detection, fire detector, flame detector, corrosion protection coating, protective clothing, and robotic hands.


By Procurion on 7/30/2007 7:45:00 AM , Rating: 2
Transportation - NASA Spinoffs

STUDLESS WINTER TIRES - Viking Lander parachute shroud material is adapted and used to manufacture radial tires, increasing the tire material's chainlike molecular structure to five times the strength of steel should increase tread life by 10,000 miles.

BETTER BRAKES - New, high-temperature composite space materials provide for better brake linings. Applications includes trucks, industrial equipment and passenger cars.

TOLLBOOTH PURIFICATION - A laminar airflow technique used in NASA clean rooms for contamination-free assembly of space equipment is used at tollbooths on bridges and turnpikes to decrease the toll collector's inhalation of exhaust fumes.

WEIGHT SAVING TECHNOLOGY - NASA research on composite materials is used to achieve a 30-percent weight reduction in a twin-turbine helicopter, resulting in a substantial increase in aircraft performance.

IMPROVED AIRCRAFT ENGINE - Multiple NASA developed technological advancements resulted in a cleaner, quieter, more economical commercial aircraft engine known as the high bypass turbofan, featuring a 10-percent reduction in fuel consumption, lower noise levels, and emission reductions of oxides of nitrogen, carbon monoxide, and unburned hydrocarbons.

ADVANCED LUBRICANTS - An environmental-friendly lubricant designed to support the Space Shuttle Mobile Launcher Platform led to the development of three commercial lubricants for railroad track maintenance, for electric power company corrosion prevention, and as a hydraulic fluid with an oxidation life of 10,000 hours.

ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM - The Flywheel Energy Storage system, derived from two NASA-sponsored energy storage studies, is a chemical-free, mechanical battery that harnesses the energy of a rapidly spinning wheel and stores it as electricity with 50 times the capacity of a lead-acid battery, very useful for electric vehicles.

NEW WING DESIGN FOR CORPORATE JETS - NASA-developed computer programs resulted in an advanced, lighter, more aerodynamically-efficient new wing for Gulfstream business aircraft.

AIDS TO SCHOOL BUS DESIGN - Manufacturer uses three separate NASA-developed technologies originally developed for aviation and space use in their design and testing of a new school bus chassis. These technologies are a structural analysis computer program infrared stress measurement system, and a ride quality meter system.

Other spinoffs in this area include: Safer bridges, emission testing, airline wheelchairs, electric car, auto design, methane-powered vehicles, windshear prediction, and aircraft design analysis.

I could go on....it only took 20 seconds to find this. Don't come to a technology website discussion and even dream that space exploration hasn't helped us in almost every aspect of your/our lives. Short-sighted "what's in it for me people like you are what's wrong with this world.
Source:http://www.thespaceplace.com/nasa/spinoffs.html#To...


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