Industry awakens to NASA technology

AIAA's Corporate Associates Program promotes links between NASA and industry and promises to boost the international competitiveness of U.S. industry. Small groups of touring executives see lab and shop presentations arranged by the program, where they are introduced to novel NASA-related technology. If a corporation is willing to take risks to advance an embryonic technology, NASA may grant exclusive rights. One of these technical exchange agreements is described. The main potential benefit for NASA is the creation of a possible source of capital for space industrialization.