Multi-Junction (MJ) Space Solar Cells
Inducted In: 2004, Industrial Productivity/Manufacturing Technology
Responding to the need for higher efficiency solar cells, the Air Force Research Laboratory sponsored research and development efforts to produce high efficiency multi-junction space solar cells. MJ solar cell technology provides a direct replacement for lower efficiency single-junction cells. The end results are reduced space mission life-cycle costs, reduced customer costs for telecommunication, weather forecasting and many other services crucial to our daily lives on Earth.
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Protective Coating for Ceramic Materials
Inducted In: Featured, Industrial Productivity/Manufacturing Technology
Researchers at Ames had devised a silicon-based compound as part of the development of the X-33 and X-34 prototype planes. These planes were projected to fly at 15 times the speed of sound. The friction from these super-sonic speeds would…

High-Strength, Wear Resistant Aluminum Alloy (NASA 398)
Inducted In: Industrial Productivity/Manufacturing Technology
Light weight alloy technology with proven durability, longevity and reduced environmental impact In 1993, the Partnership for Next-Generation Vehicles (PNGV) brought together federal laboratories, universities, automakers and other industry partners, with the common goal of increasing automotive fuel efficiency and…

PMR-15 Polymide Resin
Inducted In: Industrial Productivity/Manufacturing Technology
During the 1960s, research on protective coating materials at NASA's Lewis Research Center demonstrated that a class of polymers known as condensation polymides could be fabricated into lightweight fiber reinforced plastics. These materials were capable of withstanding temperatures up to…