I think it’s fantastic that NASA is required (through a funding agreement) to pass on some of their nifty tech to the private sector for commercialization. ast spin-off successes include digital camera sensors, GPS technology, memory foam, invisible braces and even enriched baby food. The agency has a large program called Technology Transfer dedicated to seeking out new business models and partnerships.
So this summer the good geeks at NASA (who I LOOOOVE, Each and all) agreed to a deal that would see NASA “transfering ” their latest hunk of knowledge at already wealthy NFL players. How about people who fucking need it? How about returning soldiers or industries being made obsolete by new tech? no, we’ll help wealthy fucking assholes with trauma level head injuries.
That’s some bullshit.
NASA reports and presentations claim more than 1,800 spin-offs, with an average annual revenue of $1 million and supporting more than 14,400 jobs. The agency estimates that its health and safety technologies, from heart pumps to whole-plane parachutes, have saved more than 440,000 lives.