Page 46 - International Space Station Benefits for Humanity, 3rd edition.

Investigation Title Valuation Summaries

Tropical Cyclone Since 2014, atmospheric scientists at Visidyne, Inc. have captured time-lapse images
of tropical cyclones using automated and handheld cameras aimed through one of
the portals on the space station. This imagery is used to measure the heights and
temperature of the cloud tops just outside the clear eye at the center of the storm.
Combining these measurements with other data allows scientists to retrieve the storm’s
central sea-level air pressure, which leads to more accurate prediction of the intensities
(peak wind speeds) and paths of the storms before they hit land. It also provides an
increased understanding of the eyewall replacement cycle. Building on the success of
the CyMISS project on the ISS, Visidyne has started a new commercial company called
Trans World Analytics, Inc. The company will first use high-altitude, solar-powered
vehicles, followed by microsatellites, to characterize tropical cyclone eyewall clouds
and measure storm intensities, with the goal of achieving lifesaving advancements
in global knowledge about these devastating storms.
FLEX-2 The Flame Extinguishment (FLEX) investigations uncovered a new form of combustion
that occurs at a lower temperature than previously observed. Globally, transportation-
related emissions account for nearly 23% of energy-related CO emissions. In the U.S.
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transportation sector, engines account for nearly 50% of all nitrogen oxide emissions
and over 66% of particulate matter (soot) emissions. As researchers unravel the
mechanisms of this “cool flame,” new knowledge may lead to more-efficient, lower-
emission liquid combustion engines. As of 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO)
estimates that 92% of the world’s population lives in areas where the air quality does
not meet the WHO’s recommended guidelines.

Robonaut Robonaut 2’s nearly 50 patented and patent-pending technologies have potential
applications in multiple industries, including logistics and distribution, medical and
industrial robotics, and beyond. For example, RoboGlove technologies have the
potential to reduce the more than 1 million repetitive motion injuries per year in
the manufacturing industry. The economic cost of these injuries is over $19 billion
annually in the United States alone.

Robotic Refueling Intended to advance and demonstrate robotic capabilities involved in the refuel, repair
Mission and maintenance of satellites in both near and distant orbits, the Robotic Refueling
Mission (RRM) series of investigations hold the potential to revolutionize the way
satellites are serviced and refueled. Successful implantation of RRM technology may
save the satellite industry between $7.1 and $16.6 billion per year in replacement costs.

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