How NASA’s Free Software Can Help Entrepreneurs

NASA’s Technology Transfer program offers open source and free tools that were once used by the space program. You might not think these tools are valuable for business, unlike other smart office technology — but you couldn’t be more wrong. In fact, NASA says its software is useful in many industries, and even describes how software could be used in different industries. If you are interested in downloading one of these programs, the following are five pieces of NASA-created software that you could use for your business. You may just discover that some of NASA’s open release software is exactly what you’ve been looking for.

Real-Time Tracking System

Originally developed to help military and emergency crew in remote environments, NASA’s Real-Time Tracking System is a real-time locating system that lets you track the positions of people and objects in your business. In particular, this system works to track positions when GPS systems aren’t reliable. This sort of tracking method could be useful in mining or oil operations, for example. Businesses can license and develop this technology into commercial products.

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Automata Learning in Generation of Scenario-Based Requirements in System Development

This software has a complicated name, but can be applied to many relevant business-related necessities, like artificial intelligence, robotic operations, and software systems. This automated learning software essentially lets you distribute NASA sensor networks across autonomous systems that can then operate among themselves. These automatically-generated instructions make it less likely that these systems will make errors.

“Worldview” Satellite Imagery Browsing and Downloading Tool

This software lets you browse and download images from NASA satellites that capture the Earth. This information can help you discover things about areas that you wouldn’t otherwise know about by offering high-resolution imagery that you can pan and zoom through to find relevant information. Entrepreneurs could use this information to decide which areas would be best to start or expand their businesses.

Integrated Cognitive Assessment Tool: Combining Person, System, and Mission

This tool helps you evaluate and hire top talent. NASA used this system to hire its personnel, but you can use it to determine if a candidate is a good fit for your business. The assessment tool helps determine if the people you’re hiring having the cognitive abilities to perform the functions you want them to in the real world. You can also determine the level of employee’s workloads to see if they’re capable of performing these tasks.