Spinoff story

Ultrasonic Detectors Safely Identify Dangerous, Costly Leaks

A real-world story of NASA technology finding a life beyond the mission.

About this technology

Overview

To allow inspectors to scan the space shuttle's hydrogen fuel systems from a safe distance, Kennedy Space Center engineers developed a long-range attachment for an ultrasonic detector. Elmsford, New York-based UE Systems licensed the NASA invention, which allows workers to safely and accurately pinpoint leaks in factories and other industrial applications, providing savings in the millions of dollars.