Curious about licensing groundbreaking NASA technologies for your business? In this post, we dive into the most frequently asked questions about the NASA Technology Transfer Program’s licensing process. Read on for practical insights on how to unlock innovative solutions and bring space-age advancements to your enterprise.

Because advances made for space travel can do so much more! These innovations have many terrestrial applications in everyday life.

It might surprise you to know just how many NASA-developed technologies are already solving problems unrelated to space exploration. Everything from clothing and light fixtures to beer and reforestation, agriculture, and construction take advantage of this world-class technology pipeline.

Stennis Space Center (SSC) serves as NASA’s premier rocket propulsion testing facility. Historically, SSC has tested every space shuttle main engine and now continues that legacy by testing RS‑25 engines and core stages for the Artemis Program.

What is NASA Technology Transfer University (T2U)?

Technology Transfer University is what you, the instructor, make it!

As NASA fosters technologies needed to live and work farther away from home than ever before, the agency’s Technology Transfer program has the sole mission of getting those innovations into the hands of companies, entrepreneurs, and, ultimately, everyday people. The agency’s Spinoff publication has captured this endeavor for half a century, sharing stories of space technologies improving our lives on Earth.

In traditional manufacturing, the above list of demands for fabricating a new metal part might get a response of, “Drop ‘faster,’ and then pick two.” All four? Impossible. However, additive manufacturing (AM), also known as 3D printing, can deliver all of the above with the right technology. NASA has been developing hardware, alloys, sensors, and other resources the AM industry and commercial companies can use.

Whether you’re a hobbyist tinkerer or a business looking for solutions, NASA’s Software Catalog has you covered. Since the dawn of the space program, NASA has been on the forefront of computer development. The agency’s software catalog features more than 1,200 programs, and most are downloadable with a free or open-source license. Here are some of the most popular codes available to request from software.nasa.gov: