PERSPECTIVES ON TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER FOR SPACE APPLICATIONS

Paper number

IAC-08.E5.I.19

Author

Dr. Kumar Krishen, Johnson Space Center, United States

Year

2008

Abstract

Human exploration and development of space is being pursued by space faring nations to explore, use, and enable the development of space and expand the human presence beyond Earth.  The U. S. President’s Commission on Implementation of United States Space Exploration Policy formed after his January 2004 announcement issued a report titled, “A Journey to Inspire, Innovate, and Discover,” in June 2004.  The Finding 4 from this report states, “the Commission finds that successful development of identified enabling technologies will be critical to attainment of exploration objectives within reasonable schedules and affordable costs.” The report listed 17 enabling technologies and the Commission recommended that NASA conduct initial assessments of these technologies and develop and integrate these technologies in exploration architecture.  

This paper presents promising technology transfer methods for the application of new or improved technologies for future space missions and commercial markets for economic benefits to the society. These technologies are aimed at enabling space missions in a cost effective and safe manner and for providing new and improved products, manufacturing processes, and services in the commercial sector.  A discussion of the potential risks and problems in technology transfer are presented for both commercial and space sectors.  Also identified are sources of concerns and possible solutions to effectively commercializing technologies developed for space applications.  Technologies that have resulted from NASA Johnson Space Center Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Programs are presented as examples of successful transfer to commercial and space sectors.

Abstract document

IAC-08.E5.I.19.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-08.E5.I.19.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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