NASA releases searchable tech transfer database

NASA is making it easier for entrepreneurs to license government-developed technologies. The agency released a searchable database that includes thousands of expired NASA patents, along with 56 technologies newly released into the public domain that now are freely available for unrestricted commercial use.

The database allows anyone to search for technologies created and developed by NASA that could be used in commercial ventures without the expense and paperwork usually required to license intellectual property. The technologies include those associated with robotics, communications, sensors and advanced manufacturing processes, as well as aerospace innovations such as propulsion methods, rocket nozzles, thrusters, aircraft wing designs and improved rocket safety and performance concepts.

“By making these technologies available in the public domain, we are helping foster a new era of entrepreneurship,” Daniel Lockney, NASA's Technology Transfer program executive, said.

NASA-licensed technology has been used in products as diverse as baby formula, memory foam, water filtration and cloud computing.