United Nations Urged to Adopt Space Technologies to Improve Global Health, Safety and Environment

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Jun. 17, 2003) — Space Foundation President & Chief Executive Officer Elliot G. Pulham today urged the member nations of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) to consider how space technology spin-offs can effectively be used to improve life on Earth. Pulham highlighted several space spin-off technologies as examples, including the Humanitarian Demining Device, Digital Latching Valve, VisiScreen Ocular Screening System, and Cochlear Implant. “It is clear that space technologies can be a powerful force for improving human health and safety, and for cleaning and restoring the environment all over the world,” says Pulham. “If space and society mean anything, it’s that we are developing through our space endeavors the fundamental technologies to improve life on Earth for every person.” A flare-like device that burns through the casing of a landmine, the Humanitarian Demining Device provides a safe, low-cost solution to disarming the millions of landmines worldwide. Digital Latching Valves significantly improve performance of gasoline and diesel engines and reduce diesel engine emissions 90 to 95 percent. The Cochlear Implant restores hearing for the profoundly deaf, and VisiScreen quickly and efficiently provides early detection of eye defects and vision abnormalities in young children. The Humanitarian Demining Device, Cochlear Implant, VisiScreen Ocular Screening System, and Digital Latching Valve were inducted into the Space Technology Hall of Fame in April 2003. Pulham also spoke of how space technologies are identified, authenticated, and then recognized and promoted in the United States. Examples included “Certified Space Technology” products from Tempur-Pedic and Outlast Technologies, Inc. Tempur-Pedic is known worldwide for its bedding products made with the patented “tempur foam” used to cushion astronauts from the g-forces of Space Shuttle blast off. Outlast Technologies is the developer of Outlast Adaptive Comfort technology used in consumer products ranging from outdoor performance apparel and gear to casual fashion wear. Full text of the presentation and descriptions of each technology are available online at www.spacefoundation.org. About The Space Foundation The Space Foundation, headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colo., is a national non-profit organization whose mission is to vigorously advance and support civil, commercial and national security space endeavors and educational excellence. Founded in 1983, the Foundation has developed the Certified Products program and the Space Technology Hall of Fame to promote awareness of technologies and products that originate from the space program and are commercialized to improve life on Earth. For more information about the Space Foundation, Certified Products, and the Space Technology Hall of Fame, visit www.spacefoundation.org. Editorial Contacts: Chris Corlito Space Certification Marketing [email protected] 813-229-3536 Stephanie Schierholz Space Foundation [email protected] 719-576-8000