There will be many commercial applications for this technology beyond NASA. First would likely be for DoD Aerospace applications such as Expendable Launch Vehicles (ELV) and Reusable Launch Vehicles (RLV). Next would be ageing fixed and rotary-wing aircraft retro-fit, followed by new fixed and rotary-wing aircraft integration. Unmanned vehicles (UAV and UCAV) would so have a need for this technology. Commercial aviation would have similar needs. Outside of DoD there are other commercial applications such as naval vessels (ships, submarines, carriers), ground vehicles (cars, trucks, tanks) and civil infrastructure (bridges, tunnels, buildings).
Once this product is completed through Phase I and II SBIR research, it will be ready for deployment within several NASA applications. Of direct immediate relevance would be the Ares V composite interstage, however other parts of Ares V could also potentially benefit from this technology with little change. Other NASA space applications could also benefit within the Constellation system, including Ares I, Orion & Altair, however customization would likely need to occur. In the future, this technology could also play an important role for reusable launch systems for quick turn-around times, and the international space station to detect impacts or other damage.
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