Engineering news
Nasa has released 56 of its patented technologies into the public domain, including a cheap method for manufacturing carbon nanotubes and a stronger type of aerogel, new propulsion methods and engine technologies for rockets, and devices that could one day help humans live and breathe in space.
The technologies, which have been released for unrestricted commercial use, are the latest addition to Nasa's searchable database that contains thousands of expired NASA patents that are already in the public domain.
These technologies were developed to advance NASA missions but may have non-aerospace applications and be used by commercial space ventures and other companies free of charge, eliminating the time, expense and paperwork often associated with licensing intellectual property.
The technologies include advanced manufacturing processes, sensors, propulsion methods, rocket nozzles, thrusters, aircraft wing designs and improved rocket safety and performance concepts.
The nanotube manufacturing process, for example, utilises an arc welding process to apply high electrical current to a carbon anode and a graphite cathode, forming a high quality single wall nanotube on the first 5cm of the graphite anode. This method eliminates the use of metal catalysts, which can be difficult to remove later on, increasing the cost of manufacturing. Compared to current single wall carbon nanotubes, which cost approximately $1000 per gram, Nasa says nanotubes made using its method would cost $50 per gram.
This patents release is the latest of Nasa's efforts to extend the benefits of its research and development into the public sector, to enhance the economy and quality of life. The release also may help familiarise commercial space companies with Nasa capabilities and result in new collaborations with private industry.
The innovations included in this transfer were selected by Nasa officials using a rigorous review process, during which decision-makers looked for technologies that offer the potential for high unit values but are less likely to be licensed by outside companies because of low demand for resulting products, or the technology still requires significant development before it is marketable.
Daniel Lockney, Nasa's Technology Transfer programme executive, said: “By making these technologies available in the public domain, we are helping foster a new era of entrepreneurship that will again place America at the forefront of high-tech manufacturing and economic competitiveness.
"By releasing this collection into the public domain, we are encouraging entrepreneurs to explore new ways to commercialise NASA technologies."