National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Goddard Space Flight CenterGoddard Space Flight Center

Goddard’s Technology for a Better Earth

In celebration of Earth Day, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center would like to highlight a few patented technologies that have helped and have the potential to help make our Earth a better place.  In today’s world it has become more apparent than ever to minimize our carbon footprint, and to become more efficient.  Goddard’s engineers and scientists develop cutting edge technology with “green” practices in mind.  Some of Goddard developed “green technologies” include a variety of space-application uses, in addition to being used in other non-space applications here on Earth.

Green Precision Cleaning System

This innovation allows the propulsion branch to internally clean flight tubing using water and nitrogen gas, instead of harmful chemicals such as isopropyl alcohol.  This approach actually reduces the use of alcohol based cleaners by as much as 90%, significantly lessening the impact of hazardous waste on our environment. Click on HERE to learn more!

 

Molecular Adsorber Coating (MAC)

The Molecular Adsorber Coating (MAC) was developed at Goddard to address material outgassing.  Outgassing can cause significant degradation of sensitive space instruments, potentially reducing the operational lifetime of an entire mission.  For more down to earth applications MAC is an easily applicable coating that can be beneficial in areas where contaminants and volatiles need to be collected and contained such as pharmaceutical, food industry, and electronics manufacturing.  This particular technology is helping contribute to a better Earth and environment by controlling harmful volatile organic compounds.  Click on HERE to learn more!