Paper Session I-C - Commercial Use of KSC\u27s Cable Inspection Technologies and Potential Opportunities in the Near Future

NASA\u27s requirements for reliable cable inspection technologies for the complex wiring systems of the Space Shuttle led to the development of new technology that was successfully licensed and commercialized. Similar requirements in the aging aircraft community have led to the feasibility testing of this technology in commercial aircraft. Rapidly emerging advances in the field of electronics presents the opportunity to apply wiring inspection technologies to various problems in a cost-effective manner. This presentation will describe the pathway from technology development to commercialization taken with NASA\u27s cable inspection technology as well as offer a glimpse of future commercial opportunities. ASRC scientists and engineers, working in conjunction with with NASA engineers, are in the process of developing an advanced cable tester capable of detecting subtle defects in cables. The objective is to be able to proactively repair a cable before a short or an open condition develops. Early detection of an impending fault is critical to ensure safe flying conditions for the Space ShuttJe and for commercial and military aircraft