Back to the catalog
Spinoff story
Spinoff from Space Astronomy
A real-world story of NASA technology finding a life beyond the mission.
About this technology
Overview
American Science and Engineering (AS&E) built NASA's first x-ray telescope, flown on OSO-4, and developed the x-ray detectors that operated flawlessly for four years aboard SAS-1. The experience AS&E acquired in detecting and processing cosmic x-rays gave the company a broad technology base for commercial applications. Among the commercial products that stemmed from AS&E's space technology are: Micro Dose x-ray scanner for medical use; a digital radiography diagnosis, a system for nondestructive testing of manufactured products; a system of load management for electric utilities; and additional specialized instruments.