a.) tiny sensors that measure the pH of body fluids for use in space research. They're being modified by pediatric surgeons and biomedical engineers to monitor the post-operative health of unborn patients who were operated on to correct congenital defects;
b.) growing protein crystals in space to get a better understanding of a new generation of designer drugs that could potentially treat a variety of diseases from AIDS to diabetes;
c.) the Hubble Space Telescope providing revolutionary scientific discoveries and has also led to breakthroughs in mammogram screening and digital imaging;
d.) an ultraviolet spectrometer that analyzes water and wastewater on-line and in real time. It detects iron, chlorine and heavy metals in water and wastewater;
e.) a condensation overflow sensor for air conditioning units and heat pumps. It stops condensation from building up and spilling onto ceilings or floors and causing huge damages;
f.) an ocular screening device to detect vision abnormalities and diseases, some of which can lead to blindness if left untreated in children as young as six months of age;
g.) a technology developed to examine astronauts’ retinas in space that’s now used in a digital retinal fundus camera - a funduscope. This is used to enable telemedicine - to link specialists with patients and colleagues in rural areas;
h.) a lightning detection and location network, providing real time information to users by telephone lines;
i.) a research team at Baylor College of Medicine have applied high pressure pump and computational fluid dynamics technologies from the Space Shuttle Main Engine to the design of a revolutionary heart assist pump;
j.) the Apollo space suit has led to “cool” suits used by firefighters, crop dusters, those who work with hazardous materials, MS patients and children with a disease (Hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia) that causes them to overheat quickly;
k.) a system called the Advanced Computed Tomography Inspection System, or ACTIS. The medical version of CT scans the human body for tumors or other abnormalities;
l.) a technology from the Apollo program in new cordless lightweight battery powered precision instruments that give surgeons optimum freedom and versatility in the operating room;
m.)a technology developed to monitor astronauts’ respiratory gases in spacecraft now is being used in operating rooms for analysis of anesthetic gases and measurement of oxygen, carbon dioxide and nitrogen concentrations;
n.) a metalized film developed for thermal radiation insulation during the Apollo program now is used in the Thermos Emergency Blanket;
o.) a Laser Doppler Velocimeter, LDV, was developed from Apollo technology. The device enables airport controllers to determine when it is safe to land. The LDV is also used as a meteorological tool to measure winds aloft with greater accuracy than weather balloons and as a way to measure smoke stack pollution dispersion patterns.
I believe that future space exploration activities will impact society through:
* the need to develop systems that could keep the air and water in the crew transport vehicle clean and life-supporting. Knowing how to filter out impurities in water and air would give us a much cleaner, safer environment.
* innovative new medical systems and treatments. Medical techniques and procedures that could heal sick astronauts without scalpels or incisions, could this result in putting micro-machines into their bodies that doctors could manipulate from the ground.
* efficient production of fuel, and water from in-situ resource utilization would provide significant return for energy production.
The goal of human missions back to the moon and onto Mars will spark the cause of excellence in science and math education amongst our youth and their teachers, and will spur a renewed sense of enthusiasm and commitment to university research in the sciences.
Space exploration:
* will increase our knowledge of our universe.
* will advance science and engineering.
* will stimulate our national education system and inspire students to learn.
* will establish technological innovation and space leadership.
* will generate technologies for Earth.
Space exploration will rejuvenate our sense of challenge and vision, and has the capacity to inspire people, to cause them to find the very best they have to offer.
Mr.
Michael
Irvine
Mott
Vice President & General Manager, NASA Systems
The Boeing Company
http://www.boeing.com
Professional Category:
Business
|
|
