NASA Research Park Hosts Exploration and Sustainability EXPO
by Kathleen Burton

On April 21, 2009, NASA Research Park held its third Technology EXPO, focused on the themes of exploration and sustainability. The event was held in Bldg. 943 and the Exploration Dome from 9 am - 4 pm.

“We are showcasing the technologies resulting from the relationships NRP has built between universities, businesses, non-profits and graduate students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics,” said Michael Marlaire, Director NASA Research Park.

“The EXPO is focused this year on the confluence between NASA’s exploration-driven technologies and the new technologies needed for sustainability here on Earth,” said Marlaire, noting that “the end result will be a cleaner, greener Earth.”

Cosponsored by the Ames Innovative Partnerships Program (IPP), the open-to-the-public event attracted over 800 visitors
from inside and outside NASA and the Silicon Valley, including business leaders, local politicians, venture capitalists and
the media.

The EXPO featured 40+ exhibitors from NRP and Ames in areas ranging from electric power sources for cars to unmanned
aerial vehicles used to fight California’s recent wildfires. In parallel with the exhibits, 13 speakers gave short presentations in the nearby Exploration Dome on diverse topics such as: “The Moon as a Window on Earth,” “Advanced Life Support
Systems” and “Supercomputing for Green Technology.”

“In NASA’s exploration mission, we are developing technologies with Earth-based applications, many having to do with sustainability,” said event attendee Doug Comstock, Director of NASA’s Innovative Partnership’s Program, referencing the work NASA is doing to support the ISS and future lunar and Mars habitats.

“NASA has an opportunity to help the nation move to sustainable systems and renewable energy in the future," said Jeff Smith, Deputy Chief of the Ames Entrepreneurial Initiatives Division. "NASA's research for the ISS and future lunar and Mars habitats will spinoff new green technologies that make our homes and businesses more sustainable here on Earth. Some recent green and environmental spinoffs from Ames include new insulation materials, software for more efficient air traffic management, ground-based sensors to provide environmental data and space-based imaging and analysis for identifying environmental hazards and watering needs for various crops.”