NASA Technology Award Winners

For 35 years, Spinoff has documented the best examples of NASA technologies providing benefits for the Nation and world. Appearing in Spinoff, however, is not the only recognition these innovations receive. From induction into the prestigious Space Foundation Space Technology Hall of Fame to being named among R&D Magazine’s top 100 technologies of the year to a variety of NASA awards and much more, spinoffs have been acknowledged for the ways they improve life every day.

R&D 100

Forty spinoff technologies have been honored with “R&D 100” awards, established by R&D Magazine to recognize the 100 most technologically significant new products invented each year. These award-winning spinoffs include:

A process for using atomic oxygen—plentiful in lowEarth orbit—to remove organic compounds high in carbon from fire-damaged artworks. (Spinoff 2007)
A set of algorithms (called the Hilbert-Huang Transform) for analyzing nonlinear and nonstationary signals, now used for diagnosis and prediction of brain conditions such as stroke and dementia. (Spinoff 2010)
A low plasticity burnishing process developed and tested with NASA support, now used to improve the strength and durability of everything from commercial aircraft components to hip implants. (Spinoff 2010)

NASA Invention of the Year

NASA “Invention of the Year” is awarded by the NASA Office of the General Counsel in partnership with the NASA Inventions and Contributions Board. Twelve spinoffs have won the award, which recognizes inventors of exceptional, cutting-edge NASA technologies that have been patented in the United States. These spinoffs include:

A polyimide foam insulation—originally developed for reusable cryogenic propellant tanks on the space shuttle—now commercially available in a form ideal for watercraft, aircraft, spacecraft, electronics, automobiles, recreation equipment, and construction materials. (Spinoff 2009)
A heart pump for patients awaiting heart transplants—developed using supercomputer simulation originally designed to model fluid flow through rocket engines—that is saving and extending lives worldwide. (Spinoff 2002)
A macro-fiber composite device designed to control vibration and noise now incorporated in audio speakers, microphones, and even sporting equipment, such as skis and tennis racquets. (Spinoff 2007)

Space Technology Hall of Fame

Created by NASA and the Space Foundation, the Space Technology Hall of Fame honors life-changing technologies emerging from America’s space programs, as well as the scientists, engineers, and innovators who created them. Forty-five spinoff innovations have been inducted into the hall of fame, including:

A remarkable fabric originally developed to protect Apollo astronauts, adapted to create highly durable, safe, environmentally friendly, and architecturally stunning tensile membrane roofs for over 900 landmark structures around the world. (Spinoff 2009)
The PackBot Tactical Mobile Robot—developed with NASA expertise—used by U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan to help clear caves and bunkers, search buildings, and cross live mine fields. (Spinoff 2005)
An iodinated resin water sanitizing technology used for water purification systems aboard space missions and now employed in low-cost water purification systems for underdeveloped regions. (Spinoff 2006)

NASA Software of the Year

NASA’s “Software of the Year” award is given to programmers and developers who have created outstanding software for the Agency. Fourteen software spinoffs have received the honor, including:

Software offering a revolutionary approach to computational fluid dynamics, the computer simulation of how fluids and gases flow around an object. Several commercial users benefit from the software’s capabilities. (Spinoff 2003)
An innovative GPS software program designed for spacecraft positioning and navigation and since licensed for uses within multiple industries. (Spinoff 2010)
A suite of automated tools to reduce restrictions and improve the efficiency of air traffic control operations, parts of which have been commercialized to help airline pilots fly more fuel- and time-efficient routes. Read More