Mars Cameras Make
Panoramic Photography
a Snap
Advanced Sensors Boost
Optical Communication,
Imaging
Mars rover technology inspired the
Gigapan robotic platform for consumer
cameras. Using photographic stitching
software, the platform automates the
creation of digital panoramas containing
incredible detail.
Powerful photodetectors are necessary for
laser communications—a way that Mars
colonists might one day phone home.
NASA supported development of a small,
energy-efficient sensor capable of detecting single photons and now commercially
available for multiple light sensing
applications, such as night vision goggles.
Anthrax Detector Protects
Air Supplies
Designed originally as a bacterial spore
detection system for Mars-bound
spacecraft, the technology in the Anthrax
Smoke Detector tests airborne particles for
weaponized anthrax. The device is being
used at airports, office buildings, and post
offices worldwide.
Portable Device Analyzes
Rocks and Minerals
NASA funded research into the next
generation of scientific instruments
for materials analysis—an important
component of future Mars rover missions
to study the Red Planet’s surface.
The resulting analyzer provides fast
identification of rocks and minerals,
useful for chemical, pharmaceutical, and
forensics applications.
Voltage Sensors Monitor
Harmful Static
Concern over static electricity damaging
components on the Mars rovers led to
the development of tiny sensors, small
enough to be worn on clothing, for
monitoring voltage changes near sensitive
instruments, fuel operations, avionics, or
anywhere a jolt of static electricity could
prove harmful.
Cell Analysis Tools Support
Drug Discovery
Research into space-grown plants—a
potential food supply for astronauts on
a long mission to Mars—inspired the
creation of technology for measuring
thousands of cell traits at once, assisting in
the evaluation of new drugs by providing
critical information on how drugs affect
specific cells.
Mars Mapping Technology
Brings Main Street to Life
Publically accessible, geospatial views of
cities—including every road, alley, and
freeway—are now created with the help
of 3-D data-generation software invented
by NASA for imaging and navigation of
the surface of Mars. The 3-D city maps
are used for municipal and commercial
applications.
Sensors Provide Early
Warning of Biological
Threats
Powerful NASA biosensor technology has
been incorporated into a water analyzer
that can alert organizations to potential
biological hazards in water used for agriculture, food and beverages, showers,
and at beaches and lakes—within hours,
instead of the days required by conventional laboratory methods.
Tough Textiles Protect Public
Safety Officers
Multilayer textiles created for the airbags
that cushioned the landings of the Mars
Pathfinder and rovers have enabled the
creation of body armor—more comfortable than traditional protective gear yet
comparable to rigid steel plates—for
public safety officers and the military.
Intelligent Robot Braves
Battlefront to Save Lives
NASA expertise developed while building the Mars rovers has allowed for the
creation of tough, highly mobile tactical
robots with the ability to search dangerous
or inaccessible areas, helping keep soldiers
and first responders out of harm’s way.
For more information about NASA spinoffs, please visit spinoff.nasa.gov.
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