November 1990

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NASA and the Technology Utilization Foundation held their first "Technology 2000" conference in Washington, D.C., to encourage marketing of space technology. Among the innovations showcased were an implant device for releasing insulin in programmed doses; a light sensing instrument called the "Video Harp' ; a system to allow the hearing impaired to locate loud noises such as sirens; a digital audio signal processing system for fuller, more realistic sound called the "Convolvotron” ; the model 700 Infrared Temperature Taking System; and the Intelligent Physics Tutor with step-by-step instructions to a student. High-tech gear only a few years away, said USA Today, included a space-age washer and dryer, refrigerator, and gloves. (USA Today, Nov 29/90)

NASA's Langley Research Center at Langley Field, Hampton, Virginia, and Honeywell's Space System Group, successfully concluded a joint flight research project that involved study of Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites for improved automated landing in spacecraft and aircraft. Fifteen GPS satellites were in orbit at the time of the test, and the group hoped to add nine more by 1993.

Meanwhile, NASA and the Technical and Administrative Services Corporation signed a two-year agreement for the exchange of information associated with closed environment systems related to food production both on Earth and in space. The hydroponic technology sharing involved no exchange of funds. (NASA Release 90-155, 90-148)

NASA convened with the Space Activities Commission of Japan in November for the fourth annual meeting of the NASA/SAC Cooperative Space Activities Planning Group in Arlington, Virginia. Discussions focused on a number of collaborative projects in the fields of astrophysics, solar system science, microgravity science, life science, and Earth observation. (NASA Release 90-156)

Physicians at the Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas, announced in November that they had instituted a new treatment, promethazine, for space motion sickness. Since NASA's return to flight in September 1988, the medication had helped decrease the malady. (NASA Release 90-155)


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