The Space Foundation is seeking nominations for induction into the prestigious Space Technology Hall of Fame® in 2019.
This international program honors innovations by organizations and individuals who transform space technology into commercial products that improve life on Earth. The Space Technology Hall of Fame recognizes the life-changing technologies emerging from global space programs; honors the scientists, engineers and innovators responsible; and communicates to the public the importance of these technologies as a return on investment in space exploration.
The deadline to submit nominations is Friday, Aug. 31, 2018. Anyone may submit nominations of technologies developed anywhere in the world for use in space and then modified or adopted for use on Earth.
The newly developed online nomination process and list of selection criteria can be found at www.SpaceTechHallofFame.org.
Induction will take place during the Space Foundation's 35th Space Symposium, to be held in Colorado Springs, Colorado, April 8-11, 2019. The 2018 inducted technologies are:
- High-Strength Wear-Resistant Aluminum Alloy (NASA 398); light-weight alloy technology with proven durability, longevity and reduced environmental impact
- Miniaturized Laser Terminals for Aircraft, UAVs and Satellites; reliable and affordable laser communication technology connecting the world
Other inductees have included energy-saving technologies, health improvement technologies, satellite and telecommunication technologies and practical commercial devices. Some examples are the automatic external defibrillator; non-invasive breast biopsy technology; anti-shock garments; LASIK eye surgery; implantable pacemakers and hearing aids; and technologies that power cellular phones, terrestrial networks and satellite broadcast television and radio communications; low-density, light-weight flexible aerogel insulating material; and a high-resolution optical sensing system that detects forest fires before they can cause serious environmental damage.
Judging
Each nomination is reviewed for completeness, assessed by technical experts and then ranked by a prestigious panel of judges who rate according to selection criteria — public awareness, economic and societal benefit, public/private investment, and longevity. Additional information about the Space Technology Hall of Fame, including a complete list of inducted technologies, is available at www.SpaceTechHallofFame.org.
