TECHNOLOGY

TRANSFER

REPORT

1999

N A S A’s G o d d a rd

Space Flight

Center
a Technology Commercialization Office publication

TECHNOLOGY

TRANSFER

REPORT

Since its inception, Goddard has pursued a commitment 

to technology transfer and commercialization. For every 

space technology developed, Goddard strives to identify

secondary applications. Goddard then provides the

technologies, as well as NASA expertise and facilities, to 

U.S. companies, universities, and government agencies.

These efforts are based in Goddard’s Technology

Commercialization Office.

This report presents new technologies,

commercialization success stories, and other Technology 

Commercialization Office activities in 1999.
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Technology Commercialization at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center . . . . . . 11

1999 Technology Opportunities and Successes . . . . . . 15

Environmental Systems . . . . . . 16

Guidance, Navigation, and Control . . . . . . 12

Information Systems . . . . . . 14

Optics . . . . . . 17

Sensors and Detectors . . . . . . 20

Thermal and Cryogenics . . . . . . 22

1999 Technology Commercialization Office Activities . . . . . . 25

New Technologies Reported . . . . . . 26

Award Programs . . . . . . 30

Conferences, Briefings, and Symposia . . . . . . 32

Innovator Recognition . . . . . . 34

How to Reach Goddard’s Technology Commercialization Office . . . . . . 35

Index of Technologies . . . . . . 36
1 1999 Technology Transfer Report, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center

Technology Commercialization at

NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center

NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center’s challenging and

technologically demanding Earth Science and Space Science missions 

generate a wealth of advanced technology. Goddard’s technology, expertise,

and facilities are a national asset that can be used to develop new products

and processes that benefit the United States. These benefits include increasing

the nation’s competitiveness, creating jobs, improving the balance of trade,

and enriching the lives of the citizenry.

Goddard’s Technology Commercialization Office seeks out Goddard research

and development that has the potential of being successfully transferred to

meet industry and national needs. Then, using its technical, legal, business,

and marketing expertise, the office works with researchers and industry to

transfer these technologies to the marketplace.
Building Commercial Interest

Once a technology is determined to have commercial

potential, the Technology Commercialization Office

undertakes a variety of outreach efforts to communicate

its availability and possible applications. These outreach

efforts include one-page descriptions highlighting

technologies available for commercial transfer. The office

also hosts and attends commercialization workshops

and trade conferences, where staff demonstrate available

technologies and build interest among industry and

entrepreneurs. (See page 32–33.) 

1999 Technology Transfer Report, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center

Identifying a Technology

Each year, scientists and engineers working at Goddard

develop dozens of advanced technologies that may

have the potential for successful transfer to a variety 

of industries. The Technology Commercialization Office

encourages researchers to identify these technologies 

for possible transfer through its inreach program,

which includes ongoing consultation with technical

researchers, employee development programs,

colloquia, and recognition programs. Once identified,

the technologies become part of an inventory

maintained by the Technology Commercialization

Office. Pages 26–29 list the

inventory of technologies

reported by scientists and

engineers in 1999.

Assessing Commercial Viability

Once a new technology is reported, the Technology

Commercialization Office undertakes a technical,

business, and legal assessment to determine its

commercial potential. This assessment involves

identifying possible applications and markets,

considering cost and pricing information,

and estimating market size and trends.

The technologies described in this

report received a full assessment

and were determined to

have commercial

viability. 

2
1999 Technology Transfer Report, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center 3

Small Business Outreach 

Extra efforts to involve smaller businesses include Goddard’s

Small Business Incubator program. This program nurtures

start-up enterprises that are undertaking efforts to commercialize

NASA technologies. Under the incubator program, businesses receive a

variety of benefits, including low-cost office space, planning assistance,

and legal and financial advice. For more information on the incubator

program, call (301) 286-9655 or (301) 286-5810.

In 1999, Goddard’s Technology Commercialization Office launched the Technology 

into the Zone initiative. This initiative strives to revitalize economically distressed

communities——designated as empowerment zones (EZ) and enterprise communities (EC)——by providing EZ/EC businesses greater access to NASA’s technology

commercialization network. Goddard offers specialized training on how to

capitalize on NASA technology, encourages development of existing and

future EZ/EC businesses, and facilitates partnerships between these

businesses and academia. For more information on the

Technology into the Zone initiative, call (301) 286-3901.
Success

Through their partnerships with Goddard, U.S. companies

are improving existing products, developing new products

and markets, and saving time and money with improved

processes. In turn, Goddard

benefits through royalties and

partnerships. All of this aids the

U.S. economy through job creation

and helps to improve the nation’s

quality of life.

1999 Technology Transfer Report, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center 4

Selecting a Partner

The Technology Commercialization Office has devised a series of steps to ensure a fair and

equitable process for selecting commercial partners for its technology. After receiving information

through Goddard’s various outreach efforts, prospective partners prepare and submit proposed

commercialization plans. The Technology Commercialization Office reviews the submissions,

selects the best proposal(s), and negotiates patent or copyright licenses and/or Space Act

Agreements as appropriate. These agreements undergo legal review by general and

patent counsel prior to being finalized. More information on these agreements is

provided in the office’s publication Working with NASA’s Goddard Space Flight

Center: The Technology Commercialization

Process. For more information on

how to be included in the

company selection process,

contact the Technology

Commercialization Office.
1999 Technology Transfer Report, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center 5

1999 

Technology

Opportunities and

Successes

Goddard’s scientific and 

technical staff are continually

developing technologies to achieve

space mission goals. These

technologies may offer benefits

outside the aerospace industry. The

technologies summarized here

have been determined to have

commercial potential, and some

already have achieved 

commercial success.
Goddard has devised a new visualization system for 

displaying Earth-related information.

Goddard’s Digital Earth Workbench is an interactive system that allows users

to retrieve, view, and compare large amounts of Earth-related information. 

For scientists, it is a tool to identify the intricate correlations among the

various geological, biological, climatic, and civilization forces that affect the

Earth. For others, such as museums or the public, it is a tool for teaching

about and exploring the Earth.

The system offers an interactive computer program that allows users to 

easily navigate the globe to view satellite imagery and topography of any

location on Earth. The user can add “layers” of imagery and control how these

layers blend together. Three-dimensional objects also can be imported and

displayed. Extremely large images are supported, and the system can retrieve

information stored at remote sites using standard protocols, such as http 

and ftp.

The system supports a head-tracked stereo and six degree-of-freedom

interaction device (i.e., virtual reality) as well as a traditional monitor and

mouse interface. The virtual reality interface is particularly easy to use, with

navigation of the digital Earth and imagery data readily accomplished with

intuitive hand movements.

The technology can be used in applications ranging from scientific

investigation to agricultural and city planning to vacation planning.

Companies interested in participating in the commercialization of this

technology are encouraged to contact Goddard.

1999 Technology Transfer Report, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center 6

For more information on these technologies, call the 

Technology Commercialization Office’s contact for environmental systems at (301) 286-1098.

High-Performance

Earth Data

Exploration

ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS
Goddard has a variety of technologies that may prove useful 

to companies developing teleradiology systems.

Goddard is applying several developed and emerging technologies related to

digital image archiving and communications. Relevant technologies include

data compression algorithms, data communications hardware, and satellite

transceiver systems to handle terabytes of image data generated by the Earth

Observing System. Some of these technologies may offer the opportunity to

advance image communications architectures for digital medical images.

The technologies that may be of greatest interest to commercial developers 

of teleradiology systems include the following:

. High data rate parallel digital receiver and demodulator ——This small, 

low-cost receiver that can operate in a desktop computer is capable of

processing data faster than 600 megabits per second (Mbps).

. RM subcode Viterbi decoder ——NASA and the National Science Foundation

are funding research to develop a Viterbi decoder that operates at 600 Mbps.

. Reconfigurable data path processor ——This technology offers real-time, 

high-speed processing of algorithms and can be configured to perform any

specific image processing function.

Goddard researchers envision developing systems with data processing rates

of up to 2 gigabits per second at a lower cost than existing technologies. 

As Goddard further develops these technologies for its own uses, commercial

partners are invited to assist in simultaneously developing the technologies 

for commercial applications.

1999 Technology Transfer Report, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center 7

Teleradiology

Systems

Technologies
This series of technologies has the potential to dramatically 

advance the process of terrain mapping.

Goddard researchers are developing several technologies that improve the

acquisition and processing of digital images of the Earth’s surface. Each of these

technologies may have commercial mapping applications. Companies are invited

to consider partnering with Goddard to transfer these innovations to the commercial marketplace.

Digital Aerial Camera System

Goddard researchers have designed a new digital aerial camera system. This

concept uses a line scan system to acquire images sequentially. Compared to

scanning film-based images or using a digital framing system, this technology

requires less image storage space, flight time, and processing time. The camera

system also includes a precision position and altitude determination system.

Several advantages over film cameras exist, including greater dynamic and

spectral ranges, greater radiometric accuracy, direct production of digital

product, automatic rectification and geolocation of images, and on-the-fly 

digital terrain mapping.

Technologies for

Digital Aerial

Observation

1999 Technology Transfer Report, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center 8
1999 Technology Transfer Report, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center 9

Multisensor Terrain Mapping System

This digital terrain mapping system combines a photogrammetric system 

for high spatial resolution and a laser ranging system for accurate absolute

range determination. The system was designed to produce stereo images with

embedded absolute ranging information. Combining forward- and aft-looking

digital line scan images produces elevation information without the tedious

processing required by other photogrammetric systems. The raw data

generated by this mapping system can be used to produce digital terrain 

maps without extensive postprocessing of the data for georectification or

geolocation.

Hexapod System for Pointing Airborne

Instruments

This technology stabilizes and orients instruments aboard an aircraft or 

other moving vehicle. A mounting platform built on a hexapod configuration

(i.e., a Stewart platform) is fitted with an inertial navigation system (INS) and

actuators. When the INS detects the vehicle’s pitch, roll, and yaw, the actuators

counter the motion. By providing six degrees of freedom, the hexapod allows

the mounted instrument to maintain its spatial orientation or hold a line of

sight in an unsteady environment. The technology currently can compensate

for 15 to 20 degrees of roll and pitch and up to 30 degrees of yaw. The

hexapod system can be manufactured at a relatively low cost.
1999 Technology Transfer Report, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center 10

This instrument is

smaller, lighter, less

expensive, more robust,

and more energy efficient

than other laser altimeter

systems.

Ideal for topographical mapping, this photoncounting altimeter can be used on satellites in 

600 km or lower orbits or on a conventional aircraft

platform operating at cruise altitudes between 25,000 and 40,000 feet. The

technology uses low-energy laser pulses at multikilohertz fire rates to obtain

high-resolution spatial data from the surface being examined. 

Although conventional laser altimeters can detect nearly 100 percent of laser

returns with low probability of error, this new microaltimeter can increase the

surface sampling rate by up to two orders of magnitude for the same average

laser power and with a much smaller telescope (10 cm vs. 100 cm). Furthermore, it can accurately identify where in the field of view the detected photon

originated, removing much of the ambiguity characterizing conventional

multiphoton surface returns and improving spatial resolution. In addition,

single pulse energies in the microaltimeter are typically two orders of

magnitude smaller than in current systems, making the instrument inherently

more eye-safe and less prone to internal optical damage. 

This technology is ideal for mapping land, ice, sea, and forest settings on 

Earth as well as surfaces of celestial bodies. Goddard has filed a provisional

patent application for this technology and seeks commercial partners to assist

in further developing the technology for commercial applications.

A New 

Photon-Counting

Microaltimeter
1999 Technology Transfer Report, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center 11

This telescope has

multiple fields

of view, eliminating the need for

primary aperture scanning

and a rotating system.

Goddard has devised a holographic

scanning telescope for lidar applications

that is smaller, lighter, less complex, less

expensive, and more reliable than existing

scanning telescopes. Current scanning holographic telescope designs consist of a single

holographic optical element (HOE) transmitting and

receiving laser energy. When data from multiple angles

are required, the HOE must be rotated, requiring a

dedicated mechanical system. This rotating mechanical system adds weight, cost, and

complexity to the telescope.

Goddard’s innovative shared aperture multiplexed telescope replaces the single 

HOE with multiple HOEs in the same holographic film. The lidar laser beam is

transmitted through any one of these HOEs, and the backscattered signal is collected

by the same HOE when it returns. Offering multiple fields of view through a single

aperture eliminates the need for the rotating system. Combining multiple wide fields

of view with linear or two-dimensional array “pushbroom” detection techniques

enables lidar imaging applications. 

This innovation can be used for most lidar applications, including space and satellite

applications, atmospheric wind measurements, vegetation canopy profiling, and

altimetry. A provisional patent application has been filed, and Goddard seeks industry

partners to further develop the technology for commercial applications.

A Novel Design for a

Stationary Scanning

Holographic

Telescope
1999 Technology Transfer Report, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center 12

A software tool developed to plan missions to the moon and Earth

Lagrange points has recently been licensed by Princeton Satellite

Systems.

In 1999, Goddard issued a nonexclusive license for its successful mission

analysis and design software——Swingby——to Princeton Satellite Systems.

Originally developed in the early 1990s, Swingby provided a much-needed PC

version of the traditional mainframe tool for calculating trajectory and orbits

for spacecraft. In addition, a graphics interface allows users to see the results of

the programmed trajectory as it evolves.

With assistance from Computer Sciences Corporation, Goddard researchers

transferred the original mainframe code and new targeting algorithms to a

PC-based tool and integrated the graphics function. Swingby soon became the

leading high-fidelity trajectory and mission design tool. Its easily adaptable

Mission Analysis

and Design Software

Licensed

For more information on these technologies, call the 

Technology Commercialization Office’s contact for guidance, navigation, and control at (301) 286-2198.

Spotlighting Success

GUIDANCE, NAVIGATION, AND C
1999 Technology Transfer Report, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center 13

format enables the inclusion of the latest cutting-edge models. Swingby has

supported numerous NASA missions, including the Solar and Heliospheric

Observatory (SOHO), the Deep Space Probe Science Experiment, and the Lunar

Prospector Mission. The software earned recognition from NASA for its

performance in the 1995 Clementine mission to the moon.

Princeton Satellite Systems will incorporate Swingby into its own commercial

Matlab toolboxes. By adding Swingby’s targeting and orbit capabilities to

Princeton’s attitude control and mission planning software, the company can

offer a more comprehensive software package. Goddard also is adding

capabilities to the original Swingby software for use by universities. For more

information about this software, please contact Goddard.

ONTROL
1999 Technology Transfer Report, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center 14

Fighting Crime with

NASA Remote Sensing

Data Analysis

Technology 

INFORMATION SYSTEMS

A technology developed to map the surface of near-Earth asteroids

is being used to analyze gunpowder residue at crime scenes.

Spec3D——a Goddard technology developed cooperatively with Cornell

University, Hampton University, and the University of Arizona——is a geographical information, visualization, and analysis tool for remotely sensed spectral

databases. Specifically developed to analyze data collected by the Near

Earth Asteroid Rendezvous (NEAR) satellite, the software renders

graphical, interactively derived scenes of these data. Researchers also

have been working with the National Institute of Justice to determine

how this technology can be used to analyze crime scenes remotely.

As originally envisioned, Spec3D will help map the surface of 433 Eros,

one of the largest and best observed near-Earth asteroids. A spectrometer aboard the NEAR satellite will remotely sense X-ray and gammaray emissions from the asteroid. Spec3D will analyze these data and

create visual images representing Eros’s surface composition of

magnesium, oxygen, hydrogen, uranium, and other elements.

Goddard researchers, forensic scientists, and law enforcement specialists

also are using the NEAR instruments and the Spec3D visualization and

analysis software to study crime scenes remotely. With further development, the Spec3D technology also might be transferable to other

commercial applications that use data from visible wavelengths, gas

chromatography, or mass spectroscopy. Companies interested in

participating in this development are encouraged to contact Goddard.

For more information on these technologies, call the 

Technology Commercialization Office’s contact for information systems at (301) 286-0561.

Spotlighting Success
1999 Technology Transfer Report, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center 15

TelSpanServices, Inc., has licensed Goddard’s segmented cold

cathode technology for large, multicolor displays.

In 1999, Goddard issued a license for an innovative technology that uses

segmented cold cathodes to greatly improve multicolor flat-panel display

capabilities. The technology consists of segmented photocathodes set

orthogonal to an array of control grids. The display panel’s resolution is

defined by the number of control grids (horizontal resolution) and the 

number of segmented photocathodes (vertical resolution). The control grids

and photocathodes are housed between an input window and an equipotential mesh grid. Displays made using this technology may be less than 10 cm

deep and have 1 mm2 pixels. This is sufficient resolution for large-screen

home entertainment systems, public message boards, network control room

displays, flight simulations, video games, and other large displays. The

technology also creates a video image that is brighter than active matrix 

liquid crystal and comparable to cathode ray tube displays.

The technology has been licensed to TelSpanServices, Inc., an information

management systems company based in Maryland. TelSpanServices designs,

develops, and manufactures outdoor public audio/video display systems.

Projected Reality Corporation, a start-up technology company established to

focus totally on the commercialization of the NASA technology, will work

closely with TelSpanServices in this endeavor, beginning with the 

development of a prototype display.

Goddard Licenses

Technology for

Large Flat-Panel

Displays

Spotlighting Success
1999 Technology Transfer Report, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center 16

New Filter

Algorithms Enhance

Electronic Images

The quality of compressed JPEG images is significantly improved

by Goddard’s new filtering algorithms.

Goddard researchers have developed two new algorithms that provide

frequency-based, pixel adaptive filtering for low bit rate (≤0.25 bits per pixel)

compressed images. The estimated spectrum adaptive postfilter and the

iterative pre-post filter algorithms were designed to minimize “blocking”

distortion. This distortion occurs when images are highly compressed with 

the Joint Photographic Expert Group (JPEG) standard. 

Goddard’s filtering algorithms significantly reduce blocking distortion by

reusing the discrete cosine transform coefficients. The adaptive postfilter uses

these coefficients to directly estimate the two-dimensional (2D), pixel-adaptive

bandwidths. The iterative pre-post filter uses inverse pair 2D filters for highfrequency preemphasis before encoding and deemphasis after decoding. 

These algorithms minimize the mean square error, improving the objective,

subjective, and visual quality of the image.

This technology has been successfully proven with JPEG images, and it may 

be applicable to low bit rate Internet video or MPEG compressed video

sequences. A provisional patent application has been filed, and companies 

are invited to explore licensing options for this Goddard technology.

Original JPEG With Goddard’s filtering algorithm
1999 Technology Transfer Report, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center 17

Mirrors fabricated using this process are lighter, less expensive, 

and more robust than nickel-plated aluminum mirrors.

Researchers at Goddard have developed a revolutionary process for precision

optical polishing of bare aluminum to an unprecedented smoothness.

Goddard’s process begins by using a single-point diamond turning machine;

grinding cannot be used on bare aluminum because it leaves behind particles

that scratch the surface during polishing. After the aluminum is diamond

turned to a 30- to 80-angstrom finish, a special compound is used to polish

the mirror to a roughness of 5 angstroms rms with a surface figure accuracy 

of 0.125 of wave peak to valley.

The major benefit of this innovative process is the ability to make pure

aluminum mirrors, which are less expensive and lighter than optics made

from other pure materials. Although nickel plating aluminum optics is another

lightweight option, the technique has several drawbacks. Plating faults can

ruin the optic, and the process can be expensive. Also, the bimetal thermal

characteristics of nickel over aluminum are poor, which is problematic for

applications with dramatic temperature swings. 

By enabling the fabrication of high-quality aluminum mirrors, Goddard’s

process can dramatically reduce component fabrication cost while improving

the performance of the optical system. Manufacturers of optics, metal optics,

and diamond turning and polishing equipment as well as other interested

companies are invited to license Goddard’s process for incorporation into 

their products.

An Innovative

Process for Polishing

Aluminum Mirrors

OPTICS

For more information on these technologies, call the 

Technology Commercialization Office’s contact for optics at (301) 286-2642.
1999 Technology Transfer Report, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center 18

This holographic optical element represents a potential

breakthrough in reducing the cost, size, and complexity of 

Doppler lidar systems.

Goddard’s newly advanced holographic optical element resolves the circular

fringe patterns generated by Fabry-Perot interferometers into focused points.

Each point represents a wavelength component of the fringe light and may 

be focused into a single plane or even into a single line, allowing for the use

of certain linear detectors. This invention is particularly useful for Doppler

lidar systems and possibly for commercial multispectral measurement 

systems, multifield-of-view telescopes, optical radar, particle counting, and

contamination monitoring.

When used in conjunction with solid-state optical detectors, the circle-to-point

converter overcomes the limitations of circular photomultiplier-type detectors.

Goddard’s technology does not require high voltages or a cooling system and

is easily manufactured using standard holographic techniques. Reducing the

cost, complexity, and size of Doppler lidar systems can create opportunities 

for a variety of commercial applications.

The inventors of this technology also are investigating a concept that uses 

the converter in reverse to combine, rather than divide, incident light. This

concept could work for inputs of equal or different wavelengths. This would

allow an efficient means for combining several input light beams into one

common beam. This capability has potential application in telecommunications and end pumping of laser rods.

Goddard invites companies interested in developing commercial systems 

that use this device to apply for a license.

New Developments

with the Circle-toPoint Converter

Outer Annulus

Image Inner Annulus

Image

Zero Order

Negative Order
1999 Technology Transfer Report, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center 19

These four new technologies can improve the quality and

dependability of fiber optic assemblies used in applications 

where high reliability is essential.

Goddard seeks qualified partners to bring these technologies to the

commercial marketplace.

Fixture for Chemical Stripping of Optical Fibers

This device is used in the chemical stripping of coatings from optical fibers so

that they may be assembled with other component elements. The fixture fits

over the end of a cable or fiber and exposes the coated portion to be stripped,

which is then placed in a chemical bath. This fixture and stripping process are

particularly useful for removing hard, thin, polyimide coatings that cannot be

removed mechanically or thermally. 

Fixture for Reduced Bubbles in Adhesives

This device helps to remove the bubbles that can appear in the termination

adhesive during injection processes. The fixture holds and seals a termination

filled with adhesive, which is then placed in a centrifuge. Spinning the filled

termination and fixture in the centrifuge for 2 or 3 minutes drives bubbles out

of the adhesive, making the termination ready for installation on the optical

fiber.

Fixture for Adhesive Curing in Open-Cell Ovens

This device holds a termination and optical fiber firmly in place during elevated temperature epoxy bonding in an open-cell oven. The fixture centers and

controls the depth of the fiber optic assembly within the oven’s cell cavity. The

fixture also can be used to hold thermocouples, allowing them to provide

more accurate cell temperature readings.

Fixture for Optical Fiber Connector Polishing

When retrofitted on a connector polishing machine, this device controls and

allows adjustment of the connector’s apex offset——that is, the difference

between the apex of the spherical polish and the center of the fiber core. The

ability of this device to control apex offset to less than 50 μm improves fiberto-fiber contact, reduces insertion loss, and reduces reflectance over the operating environment. 

New Technologies

for Assembling 

Fiber Optics
Useful in a variety of applications, Goddard’s innovative charge

coupled device (CCD) system reduces cooling requirements and

improves imaging.

Goddard has developed an improved charge coupled device detector that 

is ideal for extremely low background observations. Applications include

spectrographic imaging, medical imaging, industrial material inspection,

fluorescence observations, and amateur astronomy.

Goddard’s innovative device yields clearer images than provided by standard

CCDs by reducing any scattering that results from light that passes through

the CCD. It also reduces potential absorption of thermal infrared radiation,

thus reducing the cooling system requirements for the detector.

The financial cost incurred to achieve these significant imaging improvements

is minimal. Prototypes have been constructed, and NASA is including this

technology on the Hubble Space Telescope’s next mission. Goddard has

applied for a patent and invites companies to consider licensing this

technology.

Clearer Images with

a New CCD

SENSORS AND DETECTORS

For more information on these technologies, call the 

Technology Commercialization Office’s contact for sensors and detectors at (301) 286-5979.

1999 Technology Transfer Report, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center 20
1999 Technology Transfer Report, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center 21

Goddard’s integrated circuit components for real-time data

processing in return-link data systems can receive and process 

450 megabits per second (Mbps).

Goddard’s high-speed parallel integrated frame synchronizer and service

processor chips can be used in ground station systems that receive and

process data from airborne or in-space sources. These chips, with processing

speeds of 450 Mbps, offer a significant advantage over current chips, which

can process less than 100 Mbps.

The frame synchronizer receives incoming bit streams of telemetry or weather

satellite data and assigns them to framed data structures. The synchronizer

requires less than 10 watts of power and uses 0.6 μm complementary metal

oxide semiconductor technology. Then the service processor extracts data

packets and other service data units from the telemetry frames. The chip is

highly configurable, allowing the user to selectively “accept or discard” data

from any given data source (e.g., a specific instrument on a spacecraft).

Goddard’s service processor offers several advantages over current chips.

Goddard’s chip allows the user to configure the frame and packet quality

checking process and to select quality annotations for the extracted service

data units. The chip’s hardware-based processing eliminates the need for

service processor software.

A patent application has been filed for these chip technologies. Companies

interested in licensing this technology should contact Goddard to explore the

various partnering options.

New Chips to Handle

High Data-Transfer

Rates
1999 Technology Transfer Report, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center 22

For more information on these technologies, call the 

Technology Commercialization Office’s contact for thermal and cryogenics at (301) 286-5169.

THERMAL AND CRYOGENICS

Using heat pipe technology, this technology enables 

calibration of large sensor arrays.

Goddard has entered into a Space Act Agreement with Electro Optical

Industries, Inc., of Santa Barbara, California, to further develop a large-area,

highly isothermal blackbody target for calibrating radiometric (e.g., infrared)

sensors. Typical calibration targets maintain their temperature by circulating 

a fluid through the hollow structure. Although these systems function well,

they must be kept to a small size to remain portable.

Goddard’s large-area target achieves exceptional temperature uniformity 

by using a heat pipe-based system. A porous wick wetted by a two-phase

working fluid is sealed behind the target surface. Heat is absorbed by

vaporizing the fluid, creating a pressure gradient inside the target. This

pressure gradient forces the vapor to a cooler section where it condenses 

and gives up its latent heat. The condensed working fluid is then redistributed

by capillary forces in the wick. A 15-inch diameter proof-of-concept target

demonstrated a less than 0.1 K temperature gradient from 270 to 315 K.

Under the Space Act Agreement, Electro Optical is developing a working

terrestrial-based prototype of this technology with technical assistance from

Goddard researchers. For more information on this technology, please contact

Goddard.

A Large-Area

Blackbody Target

for Sensor

Calibration

Spotlighting Success
1999 Technology Transfer Report, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center 23

This technology allows unmanned replenishment of cryogens while

using less helium than current automated systems.

Automated transport of cryogens such as liquid helium save man hours and

enhance safety. However, most automated systems have imperfect transfers.

Many systems allow gaseous helium to enter the cryostat, consuming

additional cryogen. Goddard has developed a new automated transport

system that addresses this drawback.

The innovative device consists of an arrangement of a transfer tube and an

arrangement of valves that connect the helium storage dewar to the cryostat.

Control electronics determine the helium level in the cryostat and activate the

transfer of liquid helium. While the helium is en route, temperature sensors

determine whether it is in liquid phase or a gaseous state. If the helium is

liquid, control valves direct it to the cryostat. If the helium is gas, because of

exposure to warm transfer lines for example, the valves direct it to a collection

tank.

This system is the only autonomous helium transport system that vents

gaseous helium, which prevents the cryostat from consuming extra cryogen. 

A provisional patent application has been filed for this technology. Companies

interested in licensing this technology for laboratory use are invited to contact

Goddard.

Automated Liquid

Helium Transport

System
1999 Technology Transfer Report, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center 24

This technology offers continuous cooling, a significant

improvement over other ADRs.

Goddard researchers have devised a new multistage magnetic refrigerator that

can provide continuous cooling at cryogenic temperatures. Designed to cool

high-resolution detectors, this technology uses multiple adiabatic demagnetization stages to achieve true continuous cooling with high thermodynamic

efficiency. The current design uses three stages to cool from 10 K to 50 mK.

Operation of ADR refrigerators relies on the magnetocaloric effect, whereby

certain materials become warmer when they are exposed to an increasing

magnetic field and cool off under a decreasing magnetic field. A typical ADR

magnetizes a magnetocaloric material, dumps the excess heat, then

demagnetizes it in a controlled manner, refrigerating the material.

The innovation with Goddard’s new ADR is the serial configuration of the

stages, which allows heat to be periodically cascaded up from the continuous

stage to a warm heat sink. At any one time, two stages provide cooling while

the third stage is recharging. Having this third stage allows for a continuously

cooling ADR that can accommodate large detector arrays and has a smaller

mass than traditional ADRs of similar cooling power.

Researchers have built a proof of concept model, and several system

components have been fabricated and tested. Companies interested in participating in additional development efforts are invited to contact Goddard.

A New 

Adiabatic

Demagnetization

Refrigerator 

(ADR)
1999 Technology Transfer Report, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center 25

1999 

Technology

Commercialization 

Office Activities

Goddard’s Technology 

Commercialization Office undertakes 

a variety of activities to promote

technology transfer within Goddard 

and among commercial industries. 

These include identifying new

technologies, attending conferences 

and symposia, and recognizing the

contributions of Goddard’s scientific 

and technical staff to the technology

commercialization process. 

This section outlines the 

office’s activities in 1999.
1999 Technology Transfer Report, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center 26

NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center has amassed a wealth of advanced technologies with

the potential to be transferred to a variety of institutional and commercial industries. In addition to

the technologies highlighted in this report, these pages list all of the transferable

technologies reported to Goddard’s Technology Commercialization Office in 1999.

Also included are laboratory facilities available for use by private companies. 

Environmental Systems

Contact: (301) 286-1098

Facilities include Terrestrial Physics, Atmospheric Sciences, and Hydrospheric Processes

Laboratories

Autonomous Day/Night Full Sky Cloud Sensor

Curved Crystal X-ray Imaging Spectrometer

Gasline Repair and Inspection System for Live Entry Environments (GRISLEE)

Global View from Space——An Automated Data Engine Software System for the Retrieval, Processing, and Derived Product

Generation of Multidisciplinary Earth Data

New Method for Atmospheric Compensation

Vision-Based Motion Sensing and Control for Automated Mining Machines

Guidance, Navigation, and Control

Contact: (301) 286-2198

Facilities include a Global Positioning Systems Laboratory.

Aerodynamic Trim Actuators for Solar Array Panels

Aerodynamic Trim Panels for Spacecraft

Autonomous Satellite Navigation System

Autonomous Unified Onboard Orbit and Attitude Control System for Satellites

Confused-in-Space Stellar Attitude Acquisition Using Multiple Star Trackers

Low-Cost, Autonomous Navigation for Low Earth Satellites

Onboard Star Selection for Stellar Inertial Attitude Determination Performance Enhancement

Plasma Charge Balancing System for Spacecraft Floating Potential Control

Precision Nano-Satellite Propulsion

Reduction of Spacecraft Instrument Induced Jitter via Multi-Frequency Cancellation

Solar Wind TRIM Activities for Solar Array Panels

NEW TECHNOLOGIES REPOR
1999 Technology Transfer Report, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center 27

Information Systems

Contact: (301) 286-0561

Facilities include the Fiber Optic Interconnect Laboratory, Electromagnetic Test

Facility, Large Area Pulsed Solar Simulator Facility, and Battery Test Facility.

AI-Based Planning and Scheduling for Near-Real-Time Satellite Data Processing

Archer File Storage Management System

Computer-Assisted Data Analysis System

Coordinated Data Analysis Workshop Web

Cost Savings of Telemetry Processing System

Cross Correlator for Actel FPGAs

Data Visualization Environment Tool (DVET) Software Application

Direct Readout Terra/MODIS Level 0 Processing Software

Dynamic Powering of Memory Banks Based on Compiler-Introduced Directives and/or Fuzzy Coprocessor

Dynamical Interpretation of the Broad-Scale: Zodiacal Cloud Observer

Empirical Mode Decomposition Apparatus, Method, and Article of Manufacture for Analyzing Biological Signals

and Performing Curve Fitting

Extension of the Empirical Mode Decomposition Method to a Time Series of Two-Dimensional Grid Maps

Hierarchical Segmentation and its Recursive Implementation on MIMD Parallel Computers

Instrument Remote Control via the Astronomical Instrument Markup Language

Internet Information

Landsat 7 Enhanced Thematic Mapper-Plus (ETM+) Data Processing Software

Level 1B Converter

NASA Industrial Property Management Information System (NIPMIS)

New Technology Ground Support Equipment

Nonlinear Mapping Function for Computer File Encryption

Photo Interpretation Tool

Responsive Applications Tool

Space Network WWW Scheduling Interface

Standard CCITT Cyclic Redundancy Code

Synchronous Product Generator Prototype

Three-Dimensional Surface Matching Engine

Web-based Directives/Document Management System

WinDAP Shock and Vibration Data Analysis Software

TED
Optics

Contact: (301) 286-2642

Facilities include the Diffraction Grating Evaluation Facility, Surface Metrology

Laboratory, Optical Coating Facility, Vacuum UV Optical Measuring Facility, Laser and

Electro-Optic Laboratory, and Cryogenic Optical Test Facility.

Dual-Frequency Direct-Detection Wind Lidar Receiver Technique

Etalon Recirculating Multiplexer/Multichannel-Spectrometer

Holographic Optical Element for Power Coupling and Wavelength Multiplexing

Improved Method of Producing Continuous Optical Modulation with Discrete Level or Other Noncontinuous

Light Modulating Arrays

Integrated Optic Grating Filter Designs Using Apeiodic Positioning of Reflective Stripes

Liquid Crystal Volumetric Three-Dimensional Display

Low-Cost Fabrication of Lightweight Optics, Mirrors, and Benches

New Computer Architecture Using “Free Space Input-Output” via Active Light Source and a Passive Modulating

Optical Retroreflector Technology

Novel and Efficient Calibration Lamps

Passively Q-Switched Microchip Laser Development

Pigtail Star Coupler

Reflective and Conductive Metal Oxides

Solid State Electro-Optic Tunable Fabry-Perot Filters

Staggered Lead Star Coupler

Tunable, Single-Frequency, Fiber Fabry-Perot Surface Emitting Lasers

Sensors and Detectors

Contact: (301) 286-5979

Facilities include the Detector Development Laboratory.

AIN Insulating Layer for MISFET Devices with Enhanced DC Performance

High Density MCM-D Substrates with Integrated Capacitors

High-Precision Object Localization System for Autonomous Fork Vehicles

Low-Noise, Low Temperature Coefficient Resistor Array

Two-Dimensional Microshutter Arrays

Ultrahigh Dynamic Range, High Speed A/D Converter for Laser Ranging

1999 Technology Transfer Report, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center 28
1999 Technology Transfer Report, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center 29

Thermal and Cryogenics

Contact: (301) 286-5169

Facilities include the Cryogenics Laboratory, Thermal Engineering 

Coating Facility, Cryocooler Test Bed, and Cryogenic Research and Integration

Facility.

Deflection and Stresses in Circular Membranes Due to Transverse and In-Plane Loading Conditions

Engineering Properties of Al-Li X2096-T8A3 Alloy

High Heat Flux Loop Heat Pipe Evaporator with Bidisperse Structures

Innovative Thermal Design Concept for Plasma Spectrometer in Solar Probe Near-Sun Flyby Mission

Low-Power, Lightweight, Solid State Thermal Control Technology

Magnetostrictive Magnetically Controlled Locking Motor

MEMS Devices for Spacecraft Thermal Control Applications

Miniature Hybrid Microcircuit Proportional Temperature Controller

Modified Wine-Rack Design for Thermal Management of Nickel-Hydrogen Batteries on Spacecraft

Multilayer Braze Foils for Joining Silicon Carbide to Inconel 600

Nested Planetary Transmission

Net Shape Woven Wheel

Nondestructive Evaluation of Cadmium Zinc Telluride

Permanent Magnet Device for Levitation of Diamagnetic Materials

Pipe Repair Method Utilizing a Corrugated Shape Memory Metal Sleeve

Practical Thermal Design Concept for Next Generation Space Telescope Sunshields

Preventing Molecular and Particulate Infiltration in a Confined Volume

Rails for Shuttle Side-Mounted Payloads

Spacecraft Solar Wind Trim Panels for Pointing and Disturbance Torque Abatement

Stageable, Actuable, Anti-Clogging J-T Cryostat

Voice Coil Damping System for High-Speed Rotating Shafts

Other Technologies

Contact: (301) 286-6705

Center-Cutting End Mill Modified by Grinding for 

Plunge-Cutting into Titanium and its Alloys

Double Parallelogram Carriage

Genetic Material (Gene) Involved in Osteoporosis/Bone Adaption

Modification of Twist Drills to Cut Titanium and Titanium Alloys

Modified Reamers to be Used to Ream Titanium and its Alloys

Tap Modified by Grinding for Thread-Cutting in Titanium and its Alloys
1999 Technology Transfer Report, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center 30

The Technology Commercialization Office strives to gain recognition for the valuable participation of Goddard employees in technology transfer and commercialization. The

office therefore nominates technologies and their inventors for a number of awards. These

awards are presented by NASA, Goddard, and other organizations.

Government Technology Leadership Awards

Sponsored by Government Executive magazine, the prestigious Government Technology Leadership Awards

recognize projects that have boosted efficiency and effectiveness, lowered costs, and/or improved service to

the public by finding innovative uses for technology. Two Goddard technologies were selected as winners

for 1999, and a third technology was a finalist.

AWARD PROGRAMS

Winner: Airborne Lidar Topographic Mapping System (ALTMS)

Certified by the Federal Aviation Administration, ALTMS provides rapid,

efficient, and accurate three-dimensional virtual digital mapping of more 

of the land’s surface than ever seen before. Operating at altitudes up to 

20,000 feet, the system uses a pulsed laser to acquire data with an absolute

vertical accuracy of approximately 1 foot. Unlike traditional methods, ALTMS

can map an area under various lighting, vegetation, and weather conditions in

days instead of months and at one-tenth the cost.

Winner: Hilbert-Huang Transform

Traditional energy-frequency analyses are based on the Fourier transformation, which provides accurate results only for linear and stationary signals.

Hilbert-Huang transform algorithms were designed for the analysis of nonlinear, nonstationary data. It can be executed on any PC or workstation and

provides more precise analysis of signals than with currently used methods.

Applications for this innovation are numerous. It allows scientists to accurately

process and study data on everything from ocean waves to earthquakes and

from the structural soundness of the nation’s bridges to heart arrhythmia.

Finalist: Regional Applications Center Program

Designed to foster the use of environmental and Earth resource data from

satellites and other sources, the Regional Applications Center program allows

participating institutions to directly receive, manipulate, and customize

localized satellite data effectively, inexpensively, and on a routine basis to 

meet regional needs.
1999 Technology Transfer Report, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center 31

NASA’s Government 

Invention of the Year

This prestigious award was presented to

Goddard researcher Charles Clagett for his

reaction/momentum wheel. Developed for the

Small Explorer program, the invention is a

compact, high-torque, low-vibration device to

stabilize and point satellites and other space

vehicles. Currently, the invention is successfully

flying aboard three NASA satellites. The wheel

also has been licensed to Ithaco Space Systems

and Orbital Sciences, Inc., which sells its version

of the invention commercially.

Kerley Award

Named after the late James Kerley, a Goddard scientist who

championed technology transfer and commercialization, the

Kerley Award is presented annually to recognize a Goddard

researcher’s commitment to new technology reporting and the

technology transfer process. The 1999 award was presented to

John Kolasinski, who has worked closely with the Technology

Commercialization Office to transfer several of his new fiber

optic technologies. Some of his technologies are described 

on page 19.
1999 Technology Transfer Report, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center 32

NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center disseminates information about its 

space technologies and potential commercial applications by hosting and attending

conferences, briefings, and symposia. At these events, the Technology Commercialization

Office demonstrates technology, distributes informative literature, and offers one-on-one

counseling to industry about partnership and commercialization opportunities at

Goddard. Through these events, Goddard successfully reached many small and large

companies, academic institutions, and trade and professional organizations in 1999,

enabling several license and partnership arrangements.

Goddard-Sponsored Programs

40th Anniversary Celebration and Exhibit Showcase

Community Day

University Day

Air and Space

International Space Business Assembly

Johnson Space Center’s Inspection ’99

Education

National Science Teachers Association Conference

CONFERENCES, BRIEFINGS, AND
1999 Technology Transfer Report, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center 33

Empowerment Zone/Enterprise Community

Boston Small Business Finance Expo

NASA Technology and Business Conference

White House Community Empowerment Conference

Engineering and Manufacturing

National Design and Engineering Show

Society of Automotive Engineering International Congress and Exposition

Sensors

International Forum for Advancing Measurement and Control Technologies

Sensors Expo ’99

Small Businesses

Goddard’s Annual Small Business Conference

New England Small Business Conference

Technology Exhibitions

Discover Awards

High Technology Council of Maryland Techfast

High Technology Council of Maryland Technology Showcase

Maryland Technology Showcase

National Technical Association Conference

Technology 2009

SYMPOSIA
1999 Technology Transfer Report, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center 34

James Abshire

Dennis Andrucyk

Yuval Anviel

Graeme Aston

Martha Aston

Tin Aye

Youn Bae

John Bane

John Barnes

Itzhack Bar-Itzhack

Richard Barry

Thomas Burton

Craig Bearer

Jessie Bhangoo

Geoffrey Bland

Scott Boehmke

John Bolton

Karim Boutros

Matthew Buchko

Barton Bull

Madeline Butler

Steven Cagiano

Bryan Campbell

Charles Campbell

William Campbell 

Elizabeth Chandler

Brian Chemel

Ed Cheng

Michael Choi

Robert Cohn

Alexander Coleman

David Content

Donald Cornwell

Patrick Coronado

Michael Craghead

John Cranston

Robert Cromp

William Crowley

George Daelemans

INNOVATOR RECOGNITION

Technology transfer would not be possible without innovators. The scientific and technical 

staff at Goddard must identify, document, and report their new technologies to the Technology

Commercialization Office. In addition, many of these innovators are deeply involved throughout

the transfer and commercialization process. Goddard extends its appreciation to the innovators

who participated in these activities in 1999.

Steven Davis

John Degnan

Stanley Dermott

Julie Deutschmann

William Devereux

Michael DiPirro

David Dryer

Denise Duignan

Howard Dunn

Darell Engelhaupt

William Farrell

Rainer Fettig

Eugene Fike

Yury Flom

Samuel Floyd

Chris Fromme

Norbert Fruehauf

Patrick Gary

Michael Ghee

Parminder Ghuman

C. Giese

Per Gloersen

Alex Govyadinov

Thierry Guillerm

Michael Hadjiargyrou

J. Halley

Mark Hanning-Lee

Richard Harman

Leonard Haynes

Tim Heggadorn

Martial Herbert

Dave Herdle

Herman Herman

Alfonso Hermida

Frank Higgins

Ernest Hilsenrath

Zvi Horovitz

Kevin Hsu

Norden Huang

Bruno Munoz

Edward Mutschler

David Needelman

David Nelms

Eldar Noe

Mark North

John Noto

Mark Ollis

Scott Olson

James Osborn

Melanie Ott

Bradford Parker

Shabbir Parvez

Leslie Payne

Jorgen Pedersen

Thomas Perricone

Lawrence Piper

Richard Rallison

John Ralph

Brian Ramsey

Ference Raski

Joan Redwing

Kenneth Reed

Christoper Rice

Merrill Ridd

Jacob Rosenberg

John Rosenfeld

Dmitri Routkevich

Clinton Rubin

Babak Saif

Mina Samii

David Sarraf

Gajendra Savant

Fredrick Schamann

Hagen Schempf

Jacob Schmidt

William Schneller

Geary Schwemmer

John Scialdone

Donald Jennings

Andrew Johnson

Mark Johnson

Richard Katz

Alonzo Kelly

William Kelly

Robert Kerr

Dmitry Khrustalev

Daniel Knowlton

John Kodis

K. Kohuth

John Kolasinski

Michael Krainak

Alexander Kutyrev

Amy Lanksy

Renato Levy

Rongsheng Li

Irving Linares

Lloyd Linstrom

Ketao Liu

Yong Liu

Allen Lunsford

James Lyons

Stephen Maher

Anthony Mallama

Peter Mardilovich

Marzouk Marzouk

Elaina McCartney

Timothy McClanahan

Jan McGarry

Matthew McGill

Robert McGuire

Timothy McKechnie

Robert Menrad

Irina Mikheeva

Calvin Miller

Rich Moore

Samuel Moseley

Richard Mullinix

Vibart Scott

Harry Shaw

Mark Sherman

Peter Shirron

Nicholas Short

Anthony Stentz

Mark Stephen

Edwin Stevens

Xiaoli Sun

Theodore Swanson

Jack Syage

Michael Ta

Joseph Teter

Ralph Thompson

James Tilton

Dan Tredell

David Uetrecht

John Van Sant

Michael Viens

John Vranish

David Walser

Liqin Wang

Paul Westmeyer

Jim White

John Williams

Margaret Williams

Daniel Worth

Michael Wright

Yeong-Wei Wu

Zack Wu

George Xing

Tapesh Yadav

John Zaniewski

Mingjun Zhao

Jizu Zhi

Yu Zhong

Barbara Zukowski
1999 Technology Transfer Report, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center 35

How to Reach

Goddard’s

Technology

Commercialization

Office

To best respond to inquiries, the Technology Commercialization

Office has divided Goddard’s assets into six core competencies.

Readers interested in obtaining information on Goddard

technologies, partnership opportunities, or the availability of

facilities are encouraged to contact the relevant area of interest.

Environmental Systems

Phone: (301) 286-1098

E-mail: environment@tco.gsfc.nasa.gov

Guidance, Navigation, and Control

Phone: (301) 286-2198

E-mail: navigation@tco.gsfc.nasa.gov

Information Systems

Phone: (301) 286-0561

E-mail: information@tco.gsfc.nasa.gov

Optics

Phone: (301) 286-2642

E-mail: optics@tco.gsfc.nasa.gov

Sensors and Detectors

Phone: (301) 286-5979

E-mail: sensors@tco.gsfc.nasa.gov

Thermal and Cryogenics

Phone: (301) 286-5169

E-mail: thermal@tco.gsfc.nasa.gov

General Inquiries

Phone: (301) 286-6705

E-mail: general@tco.gsfc.nasa.gov

Internet Addresses

Goddard Technology Commercialization Office

http://techtransfer.gsfc.nasa.gov

Goddard Space Flight Center

http://www.gsfc.nasa.gov

NASA Commercial Technology Network

http://nctn.hq.nasa.gov
1999 Technology Transfer Report, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center 36

INDEX OF TECHNOLOGIES

Adhesive curing in open-cell ovens Optics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Adiabatic demagnetization refrigerator Thermal and Cryogenics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Automated liquid helium transport system Thermal and Cryogenics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Blackbody target for sensor calibration Thermal and Cryogenics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Charge coupled device Sensors and Detectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Chemical stripping of optical fibers Optics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Circle-to-point converter Optics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Digital aerial camera system Environmental Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Digital Earth workbench Environmental Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Estimated spectrum adaptive postfilter algorithm Information Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Flat-panel displays Information Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Hexapod system for pointing airborne instruments Environmental Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

High data rate parallel digital receiver and demodulator Environmental Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Iterative pre-post filter algorithm Information Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Multisensor terrain mapping system Environmental Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Optical fiber connector polishing Optics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Parallel integrated frame synchronizer chip Sensors and Detectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Photon-counting microaltimeter Environmental Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Polishing aluminum mirrors Optics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Reconfigurable data path processor Environmental Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Reducing bubbles in adhesives Optics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

RM subcode Viterbi decoder Environmental Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Service processor chip Sensors and Detectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Spec3D Information Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Scanning holographic telescope Environmental Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Swingby Guidance, Navigation, and Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Technology Commercialization Office

NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

Building 11, Room C1

Mail Stop 750

Greenbelt, MD 20771

Telephone: (301) 286-5810

Facsimile: (301) 286-0301

E-mail: techtransfer@tco.gsfc.nasa.gov

Internet: http://techtransfer.gsfc.nasa.gov