NASA Tests New Robotic Refueling Technologies

RROxiTT lead roboticist Alex Janas stands with the Oxidizer Nozzle Tool as he examines the work site. Credit: NASA/Goddard/Chris Gunn NASA has successfully concluded a remotely controlled test of new technologies that would empower future space robots to transfer hazardous oxidizer – a type of propellant – into the tanks of satellites in space today. Concurrently on the ground, NASA is incorporating results from this test and the Robotic Refueling Mission on the International Space Station to prepare for an upcoming ground-based test of a full-sized robotic servicer system that will perform tasks on a mock satellite client. Collectively, these efforts are part of an ongoing and aggressive technology development campaign to equip robots and humans with the tools and capabilities needed for spacecraft maintenance and repair, the assembly of large space telescopes, and extended human exploration. Read more here: <a href="http://www.nasa.gov/content/goddard/nasa-tests-new-robotic-refueling-technologies/#.UxeLyyRkLH4" rel="nofollow">www.nasa.gov/content/goddard/nasa-tests-new-robotic-refue...</a> <a href="http://www.nasa.gov/audience/formedia/features/MP_Photo_Guidelines.html" rel="nofollow">NASA image use policy.</a> <a href="http://www.nasa.gov/centers/goddard/home/index.html" rel="nofollow">NASA Goddard Space Flight Center</a> enables NASA’s mission through four scientific endeavors: Earth Science, Heliophysics, Solar System Exploration, and Astrophysics. Goddard plays a leading role in NASA’s accomplishments by contributing compelling scientific knowledge to advance the Agency’s mission. Follow us on <a href="http://twitter.com/NASAGoddardPix" rel="nofollow">Twitter</a> Like us on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Greenbelt-MD/NASA-Goddard/395013845897?ref=tsd" rel="nofollow">Facebook</a> Find us on <a href="http://instagram.com/nasagoddard?vm=grid" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a>

UP Aerospace employees preparing their SpaceLoft rocket to carry NASA technologies for testing in microgravity.

UP Aerospace Preparing Rocket to Launch NASA Space Technologies

UP Aerospace Preparing Rocket to Launch NASA Flight Opportunities Technologies

UP Aerospace Preparing Rocket to Launch NASA Space Technologies

Space Technology Demo at NASA Wallops

A Black Brant IX suborbital sounding rocket is launched at 7:07 p.m., Wednesday October 7, 2015. (NASA Photo/A. Stancil) A Black Brant IX suborbital rocket was launched from NASA's Wallops Flight Facility. The launch occurred at 7:07 p.m. The primary purpose of the flight was to test the performance of the second-stage Black Brant motor. Preliminary indications are that the motor performed as planned. Preliminary data analysis of the technology experiments (vapor tracer deployments) on the payload is in progress. <a href="http://www.nasa.gov/audience/formedia/features/MP_Photo_Guidelines.html" rel="nofollow">NASA image use policy.</a> <a href="http://www.nasa.gov/centers/goddard/home/index.html" rel="nofollow">NASA Goddard Space Flight Center</a> enables NASA’s mission through four scientific endeavors: Earth Science, Heliophysics, Solar System Exploration, and Astrophysics. Goddard plays a leading role in NASA’s accomplishments by contributing compelling scientific knowledge to advance the Agency’s mission. Follow us on <a href="http://twitter.com/NASAGoddardPix" rel="nofollow">Twitter</a> Like us on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Greenbelt-MD/NASA-Goddard/395013845897?ref=tsd" rel="nofollow">Facebook</a> Find us on <a href="http://instagrid.me/nasagoddard/?vm=grid" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a>

Space Technology Demo at NASA Wallops

A Black Brant IX suborbital sounding rocket is launched at 7:07 p.m., Wednesday October 7, 2015. (NASA Photo/T. Zaperach) A Black Brant IX suborbital rocket was launched from NASA's Wallops Flight Facility. The launch occurred at 7:07 p.m. The primary purpose of the flight was to test the performance of the second-stage Black Brant motor. Preliminary indications are that the motor performed as planned. Preliminary data analysis of the technology experiments (vapor tracer deployments) on the payload is in progress. <a href="http://www.nasa.gov/audience/formedia/features/MP_Photo_Guidelines.html" rel="nofollow">NASA image use policy.</a> <a href="http://www.nasa.gov/centers/goddard/home/index.html" rel="nofollow">NASA Goddard Space Flight Center</a> enables NASA’s mission through four scientific endeavors: Earth Science, Heliophysics, Solar System Exploration, and Astrophysics. Goddard plays a leading role in NASA’s accomplishments by contributing compelling scientific knowledge to advance the Agency’s mission. Follow us on <a href="http://twitter.com/NASAGoddardPix" rel="nofollow">Twitter</a> Like us on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Greenbelt-MD/NASA-Goddard/395013845897?ref=tsd" rel="nofollow">Facebook</a> Find us on <a href="http://instagrid.me/nasagoddard/?vm=grid" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a>

Space Technology Demo at NASA Wallops

A Black Brant IX suborbital sounding rocket is launched at 7:07 p.m., Wednesday October 7, 2015. (NASA Photo/A. Stancil) A Black Brant IX suborbital rocket was launched from NASA's Wallops Flight Facility. The launch occurred at 7:07 p.m. The primary purpose of the flight was to test the performance of the second-stage Black Brant motor. Preliminary indications are that the motor performed as planned. Preliminary data analysis of the technology experiments (vapor tracer deployments) on the payload is in progress. <a href="http://www.nasa.gov/audience/formedia/features/MP_Photo_Guidelines.html" rel="nofollow">NASA image use policy.</a> <a href="http://www.nasa.gov/centers/goddard/home/index.html" rel="nofollow">NASA Goddard Space Flight Center</a> enables NASA’s mission through four scientific endeavors: Earth Science, Heliophysics, Solar System Exploration, and Astrophysics. Goddard plays a leading role in NASA’s accomplishments by contributing compelling scientific knowledge to advance the Agency’s mission. Follow us on <a href="http://twitter.com/NASAGoddardPix" rel="nofollow">Twitter</a> Like us on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Greenbelt-MD/NASA-Goddard/395013845897?ref=tsd" rel="nofollow">Facebook</a> Find us on <a href="http://instagrid.me/nasagoddard/?vm=grid" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a>

NASA Technology Protects Webb Telescope from Contamination

Contamination from organic molecules can harm delicate instruments and engineers are taking special care at NASA to prevent that from affecting the James Webb Space Telescope (and all satellites and instruments). Recently, Nithin Abraham, a Thermal Coatings Engineer placed Molecular Adsorber Coating or "MAC" panels in the giant chamber where the Webb telescope will be tested. This contamination can occur through a process when a vapor or odor is emitted by a substance. This is called "outgassing." The "new car smell" is an example of that, and is unhealthy for people and sensitive satellite instruments. So, NASA engineers have created a new way to protect those instruments from the damaging effects of contamination coming from outgassing. "The Molecular Adsorber Coating (MAC) is a NASA Goddard coatings technology that was developed to adsorb or entrap outgassed molecular contaminants for spaceflight applications," said Nithin Abraham, Thermal Coatings Engineer at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. MAC is currently serving as an innovative contamination mitigation tool for Chamber A operations at NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. MAC can be used to keep outgassing from coming in from outside areas or to capture outgassing directly from hardware, components, and within instrument cavities. In this case, MAC is helping by capturing outgassed contaminants outside the test chamber from affecting the Webb components. MAC is expected to capture the outgassed contaminants that exist in the space of the vacuum chamber (not from the Webb components). Credit: NASA/GoddardChris Gunn Read more: <a href="http://www.nasa.gov/feature/goddard/nasa-technology-protects-webb-telescope-from-contamination" rel="nofollow">www.nasa.gov/feature/goddard/nasa-technology-protects-web...</a> <a href="http://www.nasa.gov/audience/formedia/features/MP_Photo_Guidelines.html" rel="nofollow">NASA image use policy.</a> <a href="http://www.nasa.gov/centers/goddard/home/index.html" rel="nofollow">NASA Goddard Space Flight Center</a> enables NASA’s mission through four scientific endeavors: Earth Science, Heliophysics, Solar System Exploration, and Astrophysics. Goddard plays a leading role in NASA’s accomplishments by contributing compelling scientific knowledge to advance the Agency’s mission. Follow us on <a href="http://twitter.com/NASAGoddardPix" rel="nofollow">Twitter</a> Like us on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Greenbelt-MD/NASA-Goddard/395013845897?ref=tsd" rel="nofollow">Facebook</a> Find us on <a href="http://instagrid.me/nasagoddard/?vm=grid" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a>

Space Technology Demo at NASA Wallops

A vapor cloud is seen after launch of a Black Brant IX suborbital sounding rocket, launched at 7:07 p.m., Wednesday October 7, 2015. (NASA Photo/J. Adkins) A Black Brant IX suborbital rocket was launched from NASA's Wallops Flight Facility. The launch occurred at 7:07 p.m. The primary purpose of the flight was to test the performance of the second-stage Black Brant motor. Preliminary indications are that the motor performed as planned. Preliminary data analysis of the technology experiments (vapor tracer deployments) on the payload is in progress. <a href="http://www.nasa.gov/audience/formedia/features/MP_Photo_Guidelines.html" rel="nofollow">NASA image use policy.</a> <a href="http://www.nasa.gov/centers/goddard/home/index.html" rel="nofollow">NASA Goddard Space Flight Center</a> enables NASA’s mission through four scientific endeavors: Earth Science, Heliophysics, Solar System Exploration, and Astrophysics. Goddard plays a leading role in NASA’s accomplishments by contributing compelling scientific knowledge to advance the Agency’s mission. Follow us on <a href="http://twitter.com/NASAGoddardPix" rel="nofollow">Twitter</a> Like us on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Greenbelt-MD/NASA-Goddard/395013845897?ref=tsd" rel="nofollow">Facebook</a> Find us on <a href="http://instagrid.me/nasagoddard/?vm=grid" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a>

NASA Acting Chief Technologist Douglas Terrier delivers the keynote address at the CodeX Technology Conference in London on September 29, 2017.

NASA Acting Chief Technologist Delivers Keynote Address at the CodeX Technology Conference

UP Aerospace SpaceLoft rocket launched into space Sept 12, 2018 from Spaceport America in New Mexico carrying three NASA technologies onboard to test in microgravity.

UP Aerospace Rocket Launch from NM with NASA Technologies Onboard

Ah, That New Car Smell: NASA Technology Protects Spacecraft from Outgassed Molecular Contaminants

Goddard technologist Nithin Abraham, a member of the team that has developed a low-cost, low-mass technique for protecting sensitive spacecraft components from outgassed contaminants, studies a paint sample in her laboratory. To read this story go to: <a href="http://www.nasa.gov/topics/technology/features/outgas-tech.html" rel="nofollow">www.nasa.gov/topics/technology/features/outgas-tech.html</a> Credit: NASA/Pat Izzo <a href="http://www.nasa.gov/audience/formedia/features/MP_Photo_Guidelines.html" rel="nofollow">NASA image use policy.</a> <a href="http://www.nasa.gov/centers/goddard/home/index.html" rel="nofollow">NASA Goddard Space Flight Center</a> enables NASA’s mission through four scientific endeavors: Earth Science, Heliophysics, Solar System Exploration, and Astrophysics. Goddard plays a leading role in NASA’s accomplishments by contributing compelling scientific knowledge to advance the Agency’s mission. Follow us on <a href="http://twitter.com/NASA_GoddardPix" rel="nofollow">Twitter</a> Like us on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Greenbelt-MD/NASA-Goddard/395013845897?ref=tsd" rel="nofollow">Facebook</a> Find us on <a href="http://instagram.com/nasagoddard?vm=grid" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a>

NASA Engineers Conduct Low Light Test on New Technology for NASA Webb Telescope

NASA engineers inspect a new piece of technology developed for the James Webb Space Telescope, the micro shutter array, with a low light test at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. Developed at Goddard to allow Webb's Near Infrared Spectrograph to obtain spectra of more than 100 objects in the universe simultaneously, the micro shutter array uses thousands of tiny shutters to capture spectra from selected objects of interest in space and block out light from all other sources. Credit: NASA/Goddard/Chris Gunn <a href="http://www.nasa.gov/audience/formedia/features/MP_Photo_Guidelines.html" rel="nofollow">NASA image use policy.</a> <a href="http://www.nasa.gov/centers/goddard/home/index.html" rel="nofollow">NASA Goddard Space Flight Center</a> enables NASA’s mission through four scientific endeavors: Earth Science, Heliophysics, Solar System Exploration, and Astrophysics. Goddard plays a leading role in NASA’s accomplishments by contributing compelling scientific knowledge to advance the Agency’s mission. Follow us on <a href="http://twitter.com/NASAGoddardPix" rel="nofollow">Twitter</a> Like us on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Greenbelt-MD/NASA-Goddard/395013845897?ref=tsd" rel="nofollow">Facebook</a> Find us on <a href="http://instagrid.me/nasagoddard/?vm=grid" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a>

California Students Aim for NASA Support to Develop Technology

Nhut Ho, director of the NASA-sponsored Autonomy Research Center for science, technology, engineering, entrepreneurship, arts, humanities, and mathematics at California State University, Northridge, left, spoke to Brad Flick, center director at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California. The men were attending a student poster event, where students showcased their technologies and answered questions May 23 at the Air Force Test Pilot School auditorium on Edwards Air Force Base, California.

California Students Aim for NASA Support to Develop Technology

Brad Flick, center director at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, talks to students from California State University, Northridge, California. As part of the university’s Autonomy Research Center for science, technology, engineering, entrepreneurship, arts, humanities, and mathematics, the students displayed posters and answered questions about their technologies May 23 at the Air Force Test Pilot School auditorium on Edwards Air Force Base, California.

California Students Aim for NASA Support to Develop Technology

Two men from NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, ask Jared Carrillo, a student from the California State University, Northridge, Autonomy Research Center for science, technology, engineering, entrepreneurship, arts, humanities, and mathematics, about his work on the Mars Science Helicopter. Students displayed posters and answered questions about their technologies May 23 at the Air Force Test Pilot School auditorium on Edwards Air Force Base, California.

During MIT's "Better MIT Innovation Week 2018," a group of experts discussed innovation as a critical component to and professional accomplishment. From left: Rebecca Chui, founder, RootsStudio; Reinaldo Normand, entrepreneur in residence, MIT; Douglas Terrier, NASA chief technologist; Linda Foster, chief technologist, Lockheed Martin. (Photo: Damian Barabonkov/MIT Technique)

NASA Chief Technologist on Panel at Massachusetts Institute of Technology

NASA Chief Technologist Douglas Terrier joined students, faculty and experts in Boston as part of MIT's "Better MIT Innovation Week 2018," a week-long program promoting leadership, entrepreneurship and action for a better future. During the February event, Terrier spoke about a culture of innovation at America's Space Program. (Photo: Damian Barabonkov/MIT Technique)

NASA Chief Technologist Speaks at Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Around Marshall

Students at Williams Technology Middle School in Huntsville were featured in a new segment of NASA CONNECT, a video series aimed to enhance the teaching of math, science, and technology to middle school students. The segment premiered nationwide May 15, 2003, and helped viewers understand Sir Isaac Newton's first, second, and third laws of gravity and how they relate to NASA's efforts in developing the next generation of space transportation.

X-34 Technology Testbed Demonstrator on NASA Dryden ramp

New NASA Laser Technology Reveals How Ice Measures Up

NASA's Multiple Altimeter Beam Experimental Lidar flew over Southwest Greenland's glaciers and sea ice to test a new method of measuring the height of Earth from space. Read more here: <a href="http://1.usa.gov/1fkvoBp" rel="nofollow">1.usa.gov/1fkvoBp</a> Credit: NASA/Tim Williams <a href="http://www.nasa.gov/audience/formedia/features/MP_Photo_Guidelines.html" rel="nofollow">NASA image use policy.</a> <a href="http://www.nasa.gov/centers/goddard/home/index.html" rel="nofollow">NASA Goddard Space Flight Center</a> enables NASA’s mission through four scientific endeavors: Earth Science, Heliophysics, Solar System Exploration, and Astrophysics. Goddard plays a leading role in NASA’s accomplishments by contributing compelling scientific knowledge to advance the Agency’s mission. Follow us on <a href="http://twitter.com/NASAGoddardPix" rel="nofollow">Twitter</a> Like us on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Greenbelt-MD/NASA-Goddard/395013845897?ref=tsd" rel="nofollow">Facebook</a> Find us on <a href="http://instagram.com/nasagoddard?vm=grid" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a>

Luke Roberson, a principal investigator with the flight technology branch at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, discusses patents and new technology reports for a video that targets internal audiences at NASA. Roberson’s contributions are reflected in multiple U.S. patents.

Tech Transfer Video Series

Masten Space Systems’ technician making adjustments to NASA’s autonomous landing technologies payload on Masten’s Xodiac rocket.

NASA Seeks Research Proposals for Space Technologies to Flight Test

NASA Adiminstrator Jim Bridenstine visits FIT

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine speaks to students, faculty, engineers and area business leaders at Florida Institute of Technology on Thursday, May 23, 2019. Bridenstine delivered the keynote address at the Melbourne, FL campus during the university’s Space Technology Day. Among the key topics Bridenstine discussed was NASA’s Artemis missions to the Moon, including the lunar Gateway, which will serve as an orbiting outpost for astronauts.

NASA Adiminstrator Jim Bridenstine visits FIT

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine speaks to students, faculty, engineers and area business leaders at Florida Institute of Technology on Thursday, May 23, 2019. Bridenstine delivered the keynote address at the Melbourne, FL campus during the university’s Space Technology Day. Among the key topics Bridenstine discussed was NASA’s Artemis missions to the Moon, including the lunar Gateway, which will serve as an orbiting outpost for astronauts.

NASA Adiminstrator Jim Bridenstine visits FIT

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, left, shakes hands with Florida Institute of Technology President T. Dwayne McCay on Thursday, May 23, 2019 at the Melbourne, FL campus. Bridenstine delivered the keynote address during the university’s Space Technology Day. Among the key topics Bridenstine discussed was NASA’s Artemis missions to the Moon, including the lunar Gateway, which will serve as an orbiting outpost for astronauts.

NASA Adiminstrator Jim Bridenstine visits FIT

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, center, and Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana, right, visit Florida Institute of Technology on Thursday, May 23, 2019. Bridenstine delivered the keynote address at the Melbourne, FL campus during the university’s Space Technology Day. Among the key topics Bridenstine discussed was NASA’s Artemis missions to the Moon, including the lunar Gateway, which will serve as an orbiting outpost for astronauts.

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine poses at Florida Institute of Technology on Thursday, May 23, 2019. Bridenstine delivered the keynote address at the Melbourne, FL campus during the university’s Space Technology Day. Among the key topics Bridenstine discussed was NASA’s Artemis missions to the Moon, including the lunar Gateway, which will serve as an orbiting outpost for astronauts.

NASA Adiminstrator Jim Bridenstine visits FIT

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine speaks to students, faculty, engineers and area business leaders at Florida Institute of Technology on Thursday, May 23, 2019. Bridenstine delivered the keynote address at the Melbourne, FL campus during the university’s Space Technology Day. Among the key topics Bridenstine discussed was NASA’s Artemis missions to the Moon, including the lunar Gateway, which will serve as an orbiting outpost for astronauts.

NASA Adiminstrator Jim Bridenstine visits FIT

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, right, poses with Florida Institute of Technology President T. Dwayne McCay on Thursday, May 23, 2019 at the Melbourne, FL campus. Bridenstine delivered the keynote address during the university’s Space Technology Day. Among the key topics Bridenstine discussed was NASA’s Artemis missions to the Moon, including the lunar Gateway, which will serve as an orbiting outpost for astronauts.

NASA Adiminstrator Jim Bridenstine visits FIT

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine speaks to students, faculty, engineers and area business leaders at Florida Institute of Technology on Thursday, May 23, 2019. Bridenstine delivered the keynote address at the Melbourne, FL campus during the university’s Space Technology Day. Among the key topics Bridenstine discussed was NASA’s Artemis missions to the Moon, including the lunar Gateway, which will serve as an orbiting outpost for astronauts.

NASA Adiminstrator Jim Bridenstine visits FIT

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine speaks to students, faculty, engineers and area business leaders at Florida Institute of Technology on Thursday, May 23, 2019. Bridenstine delivered the keynote address at the Melbourne, FL campus during the university’s Space Technology Day. Among the key topics Bridenstine discussed was NASA’s Artemis missions to the Moon, including the lunar Gateway, which will serve as an orbiting outpost for astronauts.

NASA Adiminstrator Jim Bridenstine visits FIT

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine speaks to students, faculty, engineers and area business leaders at Florida Institute of Technology on Thursday, May 23, 2019. Bridenstine delivered the keynote address at the Melbourne, FL campus during the university’s Space Technology Day. Among the key topics Bridenstine discussed was NASA’s Artemis missions to the Moon, including the lunar Gateway, which will serve as an orbiting outpost for astronauts.

NASA Adiminstrator Jim Bridenstine visits FIT

Tristan Fiedler, director of federal and faculty engagements at Florida Institute of Technology, speaks during the university’s Space Technology Day on Thursday, May 23, 2019. NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine delivered the keynote address at the Melbourne, FL campus, which included students, faculty, engineers and area business leaders in attendance. Among the key topics Bridenstine discussed was NASA’s Artemis missions to the Moon, including the lunar Gateway, which will serve as an orbiting outpost for astronauts.

NASA Adiminstrator Jim Bridenstine visits FIT

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, center, speaks to students, faculty, engineers and area business leaders at Florida Institute of Technology on Thursday, May 23, 2019. Bridenstine delivered the keynote address at the Melbourne, FL campus during the university’s Space Technology Day. Among the key topics Bridenstine discussed was NASA’s Artemis missions to the Moon, including the lunar Gateway, which will serve as an orbiting outpost for astronauts.

NASA Adiminstrator Jim Bridenstine visits FIT

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine speaks to students, faculty, engineers and area business leaders at Florida Institute of Technology on Thursday, May 23, 2019. Bridenstine delivered the keynote address at the Melbourne, FL campus during the university’s Space Technology Day. Among the key topics Bridenstine discussed was NASA’s Artemis missions to the Moon, including the lunar Gateway, which will serve as an orbiting outpost for astronauts.

NASA SPACE TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP (NSTRF) STUDENT BRIANA TOMBOULIAN AT THE 2013 MSFC RADIATOR FACILITY SHOWING A TEST ARTICLE

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NASA astronaut Mike Fincke shows off the Voyager Flytrap technology demonstration

iss073e0815288 (Sept. 29, 2025) --- NASA astronaut and Expedition 73 Flight Engineer Mike Fincke shows off the Voyager Flytrap technology demonstration that he installed inside the NanoRacks Bishop airlock. Flytrap will test an inflatable capture bag designed to capture and secure orbital debris or sample containers returning from the Moon and Mars. The technology may also support future space mining techniques on small asteroids. The demonstration will evaluate the bag’s ability to deploy, inflate, and capture space objects while maintaining an airtight seal in microgravity.

NASA SPACE TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP (NSTRF) STUDENT BRIANA TOMBOULIAN AT THE 2013 MSFC RADIATOR FACILITY WITH A CARBON FIBER TEST ARTICLE

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Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Tou

From left to right, Elena Hernandez, press secretary for the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), OSTP Director Kelvin Droegemeier, and OSTP AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellow Jon Werner-Allen visit the roof of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on July 10, 2019. Droegemeier visited the iconic rocket-assembly facility in the heart of Kennedy’s Launch Complex 39 Area during a tour of the multi-user spaceport.

Lunar Challenge Winner Tests Technology in NASA Thermal Vacuum Chamber

NASA test engineers with the Environmental Test Facility at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center situate the rover over the concrete slab that it will operate on before removing the suspension straps that lifted it onto the platform. The technology startup headquartered in Hawthorne, California, won second place overall at the agency’s Break the Ice Lunar Challenge’s live demonstration and finale in June 2024. This competition, one of NASA’s Centennial Challenges, tasked competitors to design, build, and demonstrate robotic technologies that could excavate and transport the icy, rocky dirt – otherwise known as regolith – found on the Moon. Starpath’s visit to NASA Marshall was part of their prize opportunity to test their upgraded lunar regolith excavation and transportation rover in the center’s 20-foot thermal vacuum chamber. For more information, contact NASA Marshall’s Office of Communications at 256-544-0034.

Lunar Challenge Winner Tests Technology in NASA Thermal Vacuum Chamber

Employees from Environmental Test Facility at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, work with the Starpath team on July 30, 2025, to carefully maneuver the rover onto a platform that will slide the rover into the chamber. The technology startup headquartered in Hawthorne, California, won second place overall at the agency’s Break the Ice Lunar Challenge’s live demonstration and finale in June 2024. Their visit to NASA Marshall was part of their prize opportunity to test their upgraded lunar regolith excavation and transportation rover in the center’s 20-foot thermal vacuum chamber. The competition, one of NASA’s Centennial Challenges, tasked competitors to design, build, and demonstrate robotic technologies that could excavate and transport the icy, rocky dirt – otherwise known as regolith – found on the Moon. For more information, contact NASA Marshall’s Office of Communications at 256-544-0034.

Lunar Challenge Winner Tests Technology in NASA Thermal Vacuum Chamber

Starpath’s rover sits on a concrete slab that will be used to mimic the rugged lunar surface within a vacuum chamber at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, on July 30, 2025. The slab features a sandy, rocky terrain, and lamps within the chamber will turn on and off to simulate sunlight. The technology startup headquartered in Hawthorne, California, won second place overall at the agency’s Break the Ice Lunar Challenge’s live demonstration and finale in June 2024. This competition, one of NASA’s Centennial Challenges, tasked competitors to design, build, and demonstrate robotic technologies that could excavate and transport the icy, rocky dirt – otherwise known as regolith – found on the Moon. Starpath’s visit to NASA Marshall was part of their prize opportunity to test their upgraded lunar regolith excavation and transportation rover in the center’s 20-foot thermal vacuum chamber. For more information, contact NASA Marshall’s Office of Communications at 256-544-0034

Lunar Challenge Winner Tests Technology in NASA Thermal Vacuum Chamber

On July 30, 2025, members of the Starpath team discuss what final preparations need to be made before the chamber is closed for testing of their rover at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. The technology startup headquartered in Hawthorne, California, won second place overall at the Break the Ice Lunar Challenge’s live demonstration and finale in June 2024. This competition, one of NASA’s Centennial Challenges, tasked competitors to design, build, and demonstrate robotic technologies that could excavate and transport the icy, rocky dirt – otherwise known as regolith – found on the Moon. Starpath’s visit to NASA Marshall was part of their prize opportunity to test their upgraded lunar regolith excavation and transportation rover in the center’s 20-foot thermal vacuum chamber. For more information, contact NASA Marshall’s Office of Communications at 256-544-0034.

Lunar Challenge Winner Tests Technology in NASA Thermal Vacuum Chamber

Starpath mechanical engineer Josh Kavilaveettil monitors a component of the rover, attached to wires, in preparation for testing at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama on July 30, 2025. The technology startup headquartered in Hawthorne, California, won second place overall at the agency’s Break the Ice Lunar Challenge’s live demonstration and finale in June 2024. This competition, one of NASA’s Centennial Challenges, tasked competitors to design, build, and demonstrate robotic technologies that could excavate and transport the icy, rocky dirt – otherwise known as regolith – found on the Moon. Starpath’s visit to NASA Marshall was part of their prize opportunity to test their upgraded lunar regolith excavation and transportation rover in the center’s 20-foot thermal vacuum chamber. For more information, contact NASA Marshall’s Office of Communications at 256-544-0034.

Lunar Challenge Winner Tests Technology in NASA Thermal Vacuum Chamber

Starpath’s rover sits atop a concrete slab at the mouth of the thermal vacuum chamber, ready to be closed in and commence testing at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, on July 30, 2025. The technology startup headquartered in Hawthorne, California, won second place overall at the Break the Ice Lunar Challenge’s live demonstration and finale in June 2024. This competition, one of NASA’s Centennial Challenges, tasked competitors to design, build, and demonstrate robotic technologies that could excavate and transport the icy, rocky dirt – otherwise known as regolith – found on the Moon. Starpath’s visit to NASA Marshall was part of their prize opportunity to test their upgraded lunar regolith excavation and transportation rover in the center’s 20-foot thermal vacuum chamber. For more information, contact NASA Marshall’s Office of Communications at 256-544-0034.

Lunar Challenge Winner Tests Technology in NASA Thermal Vacuum Chamber

Members of the small business Starpath remotely operate the rover and run data in preparation for its entrance to the V20 Thermal Vacuum Chamber at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, on July 30, 2025. The technology startup headquartered in Hawthorne, California, won second place overall at the agency’s Break the Ice Lunar Challenge’s live demonstration and finale in June 2024. Their visit to NASA Marshall was part of their prize opportunity to test their upgraded lunar regolith excavation and transportation rover in the center’s 20-foot thermal vacuum chamber. The competition, one of NASA’s Centennial Challenges, tasked competitors to design, build, and demonstrate robotic technologies that could excavate and transport the icy, rocky dirt – otherwise known as regolith – found on the Moon. For more information, contact NASA Marshall’s Office of Communications at 256-544-0034.

Lunar Challenge Winner Tests Technology in NASA Thermal Vacuum Chamber

Starpath’s rover freely rests on a concrete slab at the end of a platform at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. The large metal structure will slide into the chamber, bringing the rover and concrete slab with it. The technology startup headquartered in Hawthorne, California, won second place overall at the agency’s Break the Ice Lunar Challenge’s live demonstration and finale in June 2024. This competition, one of NASA’s Centennial Challenges, tasked competitors to design, build, and demonstrate robotic technologies that could excavate and transport the icy, rocky dirt – otherwise known as regolith – found on the Moon. Starpath’s visit to NASA Marshall was part of their prize opportunity to test their upgraded lunar regolith excavation and transportation rover in the center’s 20-foot thermal vacuum chamber. For more information, contact NASA Marshall’s Office of Communications at 256-544-0034.

Lunar Challenge Winner Tests Technology in NASA Thermal Vacuum Chamber

NASA Environmental Test Facility employees at the agency’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, work with members from the Starpath team to push the sliding platform into the thermal vacuum chamber, with the heavy rover and concrete slab in tow. The technology startup headquartered in Hawthorne, California, won second place overall at the agency’s Break the Ice Lunar Challenge’s live demonstration and finale in June 2024. This competition, one of NASA’s Centennial Challenges, tasked competitors to design, build, and demonstrate robotic technologies that could excavate and transport the icy, rocky dirt – otherwise known as regolith – found on the Moon. Starpath’s visit to NASA Marshall was part of their prize opportunity to test their upgraded lunar regolith excavation and transportation rover in the center’s 20-foot thermal vacuum chamber. For more information, contact NASA Marshall’s Office of Communications at 256-544-0034.

Space Technology Industry Forum

James Reuther, Director of Strategic Integration at NASA Headquarters, speaks during the NASA New Space Technology Industry Forum being held at the University of Maryland in College Park on Wednesday, July 14, 2010. During the two-day event, speakers are focusing on the president's fiscal year 2011 budget request for NASA's new Space Technology Program. Representatives from industry, academia and the federal government are in attendance to discuss strategy, development and implementation of NASA's proposed new technology-enabled exploration. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)

A NASA staff member describes landing technology to an attendee of the USA Science and Engineering Festival, which took place at the Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC on April 26 and 27, 2014. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

USA Science and Engineering Festival 2014

NASA Completes High-Speed Taxi Test of Cross Flow Attenuated Natural Laminar Flow Technology

NASA’s Cross Flow Attenuated Natural Laminar Flow (CATNLF) scale model completes its first major milestone – high-speed taxi test – Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2026, at Edwards Air Force Base in California. NASA’s F-15 research aircraft, with the 3-foot-tall test article mounted on its underside, reached speeds of approximately 144 mph during testing. If successful, the technology could be applied to future commercial aircraft to improve efficiency and potentially reduce fuel consumption.

NASA Completes High-Speed Taxi Test of Cross Flow Attenuated Natural Laminar Flow Technology

NASA’s Cross Flow Attenuated Natural Laminar Flow (CATNLF) scale model completes its first major milestone – high-speed taxi test – Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2026, at Edwards Air Force Base in California. NASA’s F-15 research aircraft, with the 3-foot-tall test article mounted on its underside, reached speeds of approximately 144 mph during testing. If successful, the technology could be applied to future commercial aircraft to improve efficiency and potentially reduce fuel consumption.

NASA Kepler spacecraft at Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp. in Boulder, Colo.

The Kepler Spacecraft

NASA Chief Technologist Douglas Terrier, center, and NASA Deputy Chief Technologist David Steitz, left, talk with a Harding University student researcher about LED technology being used to track atmospheric composition, while attending “NASA Day in Arkansas” hosted at the university in Searcy, Arkansas on Jan. 27, 2020.

NASA's Douglas Terrier and David Steitz Talk with a Student at NASA Day in Arkansas

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine Visits KSC - SSPF

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, center, tours a plant research laboratory inside the Space Station Processing Facility (SSPF) at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, on Aug. 7, 2018. To the right of Bridenstine is Matt Romeyn, project scientist. Behind him, second from left is Josie Burnett, director of Exploration Research and Technology. To Burnett's right is Ronnie Lawson, deputy director of Exploration Research and Technology. Behind Bridenstine is Barbara Brown, chief technologist. Bridenstine received updates on research and technology accomplishments during his visit to the SSPF.

Students Bring Fresh Perspective and New Technology to Webb Telescope

Matthew Bolcar a graduate student from the University of Rochester, N.Y. now works at Goddard full-time. Credit: NASA/GSFC/Chris Gunn To read more about Matthew go to: <a href="http://www.nasa.gov/topics/technology/features/partnerships.html" rel="nofollow">www.nasa.gov/topics/technology/features/partnerships.html</a> <a href="http://www.nasa.gov/centers/goddard/home/index.html" rel="nofollow">NASA Goddard Space Flight Center</a> is home to the nation's largest organization of combined scientists, engineers and technologists that build spacecraft, instruments and new technology to study the Earth, the sun, our solar system, and the universe.

NASA Chief Technologist Douglas Terrier, right, being briefed on student-developed precision atmospheric laser technology mounted on a remotely-operated rover at Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas, while attending “NASA Day in Arkansas” hosted at the university on Jan. 27, 2020.

NASA's Chief Technologist Talks with a Student at NASA Day in Arkansas

Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Tou

Kelvin Manning, left, associate director, technical, of NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, speaks to White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Director Kelvin Droegemeier, center, and NASA Associate Administrator for STEM Engagement Mike Kincade, right, inside the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building on July 10, 2019, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Droegemeier visited the iconic rocket-assembly facility in the heart of Kennedy’s Launch Complex 39 Area during a tour of the multi-user spaceport.

Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Tou

From left to right, NASA Associate Administrator for STEM Engagement Mike Kincade, left, Kelvin Manning, associate director, technical, of NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, and White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Director Kelvin Droegemeier, right, enjoy a panoramic view from the roof of the Vehicle Assembly Building on July 10, 2019. Droegemeier visited the iconic rocket-assembly facility in the heart of Kennedy’s Launch Complex 39 Area during a tour of the multi-user spaceport.

Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Tou

NASA Associate Administrator for STEM Engagement Mike Kincade, left, White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Director Kelvin Droegemeier, center, and Kelvin Manning, right, associate director, technical, of NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, pause for a photo on the roof of the Vehicle Assembly Building on July 10, 2019. Droegemeier visited the iconic rocket-assembly facility in the heart of Kennedy’s Launch Complex 39 Area during a tour of the multi-user spaceport.

Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Tou

Kelvin Manning, right, associate director, technical, of NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, points out various landmarks to White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Director Kelvin Droegemeier, center, and NASA Associate Administrator for STEM Engagement Mike Kincade, left, from the roof of the Vehicle Assembly Building on July 10, 2019. Droegemeier visited the iconic rocket-assembly facility in the heart of Kennedy’s Launch Complex 39 Area during a tour of the multi-user spaceport.

Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Tou

Kelvin Manning, right, associate director, technical, of NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, speaks to White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Director Kelvin Droegemeier, center, and NASA Associate Administrator for STEM Engagement Mike Kincade, left, on the roof of the Vehicle Assembly Building on July 10, 2019. Droegemeier visited the iconic rocket-assembly facility in the heart of Kennedy’s Launch Complex 39 Area during a tour of the multi-user spaceport.

Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Tou

Kelvin Manning, right, associate director, technical, of NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, speaks to White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Director Kelvin Droegemeier, left, and NASA Associate Administrator for STEM Engagement Mike Kincade, center, on the roof of the Vehicle Assembly Building on July 10, 2019. Droegemeier visited the iconic rocket-assembly facility in the heart of Kennedy’s Launch Complex 39 Area during a tour of the multi-user spaceport.

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine Visits KSC - SSPF

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, center, tours the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, on Aug. 7, 2018. At right, Bryan Onate, Advanced Plant Habitat (APH) project manager, explains a component of the APH cooling system. At left is Josie Burnett, director of Exploration Research and Technology. Bridenstine also received updates on research and technology accomplishments.

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, seated at left, talks with workers in the Exploration Research and Technology directorate inside the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, on Aug. 7, 2018. Seated to his right are Kennedy Center Director Bob Cabana, Deputy Center Director Janet Petro, and Josie Burnett, director of Exploration Research and Technology.

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine Visits KSC - SSPF

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, far left, tours the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, on Aug. 7, 2018. With Bridenstine, are, from left, Josie Burnett, director of Exploration Research and Technology; Ronnie Lawson, deputy director; and Barbara Brown, chief technologist. Bridenstine received updates on research and technology accomplishments.

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine Visits KSC - SSPF

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, at right, tours the high bay inside the Space Station Processing Facility (SSPF), on Aug. 7, 2018, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. From left, Carlos Calle, lead scientist in the Electrostatic and Surface Physics Laboratory, and Dr. Robert Youngquist, lead, Applied Physics Laboratory, explain electrostatic dust shield technology. Bridenstine also received updates on research and technology accomplishments during his visit to the SSPF.

Erica Rodgers, director of advanced programs for NASA’s Office of Technology, Policy, and Strategy, welcomes employees to a NASA Town Hall with the director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, at the Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

White House OSTP and NASA Town Hall

Erica Rodgers, director of advanced programs for NASA’s Office of Technology, Policy, and Strategy, is seen during a NASA Town Hall with the director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, at the Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

White House OSTP and NASA Town Hall

Helping CryoFILL Turn Oxygen into Fuel

Patrick Chan, electronics engineer, and NASA Armstrong’s FOSS portfolio project manager, closely examines an optic fiber inside of a protective sleeve. Armstrong’s Fiber Optic Sensing System recently supported tests in which oxygen was turned into liquid oxygen at minus 297 degrees Fahrenheit. Testing was aimed at developing technologies could allow future astronauts to manufacture rocket fuel on the Moon.

Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Tou

White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Director Kelvin Droegemeier visits the roof of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on July 10, 2019. In the background is Launch Complex 39B, where the mobile launcher is undergoing testing in preparation for launch of the agency’s Space Launch System rocket for the first Artemis mission. Droegemeier visited the iconic rocket-assembly facility in the heart of Kennedy’s Launch Complex 39 Area during a tour of the multi-user spaceport.

Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Tou

Kelvin Manning, left, associate director, technical, of NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, and White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Director Kelvin Droegemeier, right, visit the roof of the Vehicle Assembly Building on July 10, 2019. Droegemeier visited the iconic rocket-assembly facility in the heart of Kennedy’s Launch Complex 39 Area during a tour of the multi-user spaceport.

Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Tou

Kelvin Manning, left, associate director, technical, of NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, points out various landmarks to White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Director Kelvin Droegemeier, right, on the roof of the Vehicle Assembly Building on July 10, 2019. Droegemeier visited the iconic rocket-assembly facility in the heart of Kennedy’s Launch Complex 39 Area during a tour of the multi-user spaceport.

Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Tou

Elizabeth Kline, left, Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) element operations manager for NASA’s Exploration Ground Systems, speaks to Kelvin Manning, associate director, technical, of NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Director Kelvin Droegemeier, and NASA Associate Administrator for STEM Engagement Mike Kincade inside the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building on July 10, 2019. Droegemeier visited the iconic rocket-assembly facility in the heart of Kennedy’s Launch Complex 39 Area during a tour of the multi-user spaceport.

Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Tou

From left to right, White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Director Kelvin Droegemeier, NASA Associate Administrator for STEM Engagement Mike Kincade, Elizabeth Kline, Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) element operations manager for NASA’s Exploration Ground Systems, and Kelvin Manning, associate director, technical, of NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, visit the Vehicle Assembly Building on July 10, 2019. Droegemeier visited the iconic rocket-assembly facility in the heart of Kennedy’s Launch Complex 39 Area during a tour of the multi-user spaceport.

Main Entrance of NASA Glenn Research Center

Space Technology Industry Forum

Bobby Braun, third from right, NASA Chief Technologist, answers a question during the NASA New Space Technology Industry Forum being held at the University of Maryland in College Park on Wednesday, July 14, 2010. During the two-day event, speakers are focusing on the president's fiscal year 2011 budget request for NASA's new Space Technology Program. Representatives from industry, academia and the federal government are in attendance to discuss strategy, development and implementation of NASA's proposed new technology-enabled exploration. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)

Space Technology Industry Forum

James Reuther, second from right, Director of Strategic Integration at NASA Headquarters, speaks during the NASA New Space Technology Industry Forum being held at the University of Maryland in College Park on Wednesday, July 14, 2010. During the two-day event, speakers are focusing on the president's fiscal year 2011 budget request for NASA's new Space Technology Program. Representatives from industry, academia and the federal government are in attendance to discuss strategy, development and implementation of NASA's proposed new technology-enabled exploration. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson delivers remarks, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, during a NASA Town Hall with the director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy at the Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

White House OSTP and NASA Town Hall

NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy speaks during a NASA employee town hall with the director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, at the Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

White House OSTP and NASA Town Hall

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine Visits KSC - SSPF

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, at right, tours the high bay inside the Space Station Processing Facility (SSPF) at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, on Aug. 7, 2018. To his right are Josie Burnett, director of Exploration Research and Technology, and Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana. Behind the exhibit table, from left, are Dr. Janine Captain, a chemist in the Applied Physics Laboratory; Dr. Jackie Quinn, environmental engineer; Carlos Calle, lead scientist in the Electrostatic and Surface Physics Laboratory; and Dr. Robert Youngquist, lead, Applied Physics Laboratory. Bridenstine received updates on research and technology accomplishments during his visit to the SSPF.

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Professor Russ Westphal, left, and NASA Armstrong’s Technology Transfer Officer Benjamin Tomlinson remove the Boundary Layer Data System (BLDS) sensor attached to the wing of a Beechcraft Beech 200 Super King Air. The BLDS was flight tested at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center to showcase rapid and flexible flight-testing capabilities.

NASA Armstrong Eyes Pathway for Quick Flight Opportunities

White House OSTP and NASA Town Hall

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson testifies during the House Science, Space and Technology Committee hearing on “An Overview of the Fiscal Year 2024 Proposed Budget Request for NASA,” Thursday, April 27, 2023 at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

House Fiscal Year 2024 Budget Request Hearing

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson discusses lunar landing sites as he testifies during the House Science, Space and Technology Committee hearing on “An Overview of the Fiscal Year 2024 Proposed Budget Request for NASA,” Thursday, April 27, 2023 at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

House Fiscal Year 2024 Budget Request Hearing