Space Foundation Press Releases

Carpet and Rug Institute product testing program recognized as a Certified Space Technology

Written by: Space Foundation Editorial Team

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Sep. 23, 2005) — The Space Foundation announced today that the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) `Seal of Approval` testing program is officially recognized as a Certified Space Technology ™. The CRI Seal of Approval program uses X-ray fluorescence (XRF) technology originally developed for use on the Space Shuttle to measure the precise amount of soil that cleaning products remove from household and commercial carpet. KeyMaster Technologies of Kennewick, Wash., developed the XRF analyzer to perform on-the-spot chemical analyses. NASA enhanced and used it on Space Shuttle Discovery to determine the composition of aluminum alloy parts to an accuracy of four decimal places. CRI uses the XRF technology to identify carpet-cleaning products that meet strict standards for soil removal and other criteria, then awards those manufacturers a CRI Seal of Approval. Because the CRI Seal of Approval program takes advantage of space technology, companies certified under the Seal of Approval XRF testing program are eligible to display the Certified Space Technology seal. “The Space Foundation is pleased to certify the CRI Seal of Approval program,” said Kevin Cook, director of brand management for the Space Foundation. “This is the first time certification has affected an entire industry, and consumers continue to benefit from space technology in new and unexpected ways.” Carpet industry leaders rolled out the new program on Sept. 12 together with several national manufacturers whose products were among the first to earn CRI’s Gold, Silver or Bronze level Seal of Approval. Winning the gold Seal of Approval, signifying the highest amount of soil removal, are Sears Carpet & Upholstery Care of Lewis Center, Ohio; Mohawk FloorCare Essentials of Fayetteville, Ga.; Prochem of Englewood, Colo.; ZeroRez of Lindon, Utah; and CleanMaster of Mulkilteo, Wash. Since the dawn of the space era, the world’s best engineers at NASA have been developing advanced technologies that fuel America’s efforts in space and also result in a number of earthly applications. The Space Certification Program, managed by the Space Foundation, provides official recognition for qualified products and services incorporating those space technologies. About the Carpet and Rug Institute The Carpet and Rug Institute, headquartered in Dalton, Ga., is the national trade association for the carpet and rug industry. Its members are manufacturers, suppliers, and service providers, representing more than 90% of all carpet produced in the United States. CRI is the source for science-based information and insight into how carpet and rugs can create a better environment – for living, working, learning and healing. For more information, visit www.carpet-rug.org. About the Space Foundation Founded in 1983 and headquartered in Colorado Springs, the Space Foundation is a national nonprofit organization that vigorously advances civil, commercial, and national security space endeavors and educational excellence. The Space Foundation has offices in Washington, D.C., and Cape Canaveral, Fla. The Space Foundation annually conducts, along with its partnering organizations, Strategic Space 2005, Oct. 4-6, in Omaha, Neb.; Florida Space 2005, Nov. 15-17 at the Kennedy Space Center Visitors Complex, Fla.; and the Foundation’s signature event, the National Space Symposium, April 3-6, 2006, at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colo. For more information, visit www.SpaceFoundation.org.


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