Transition of Technology

The business environment for those engaged in the US space program has changed substantially in recent years. Billions of dollars are being invested into space initiatives by private industry. These investments will surpass government space investments in the near future. Industry growth in this new market will require a focus on cutting-edge technology and success will depend upon the U. S. government facilitating industry efforts.

Acquisition Reform anticipates government procurement of technology for defense from industry and places more responsibility on it to design, develop, produce and maintain products and systems through their entire life cycle. The U.S. government expects to leverage private industry's investments in space-related products and services offered to the general public. The government is becoming, where possible, a consumer rather than a developer of space assets.

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU/APL) has responded to the changing needs of both the government and the space industry. The JHU/APL mission is to advance Johns Hopkins University's public service mission through research, education, and the application of knowledge to human affairs. In keeping with that mission, the Technology Transfer for Space Applications (TTSA) provides for continuing support for government needs and for expansion to support the U.S. space industry. The Applied Physics Laboratory is focused on applying science and technology to solving problems and has developed many technologies in-house. JHU/APL has the means in to transition technology to industry and has even "spun-off' its ultrastable oscillator technology to the space industry by helping establish Syntonics LLC. JHU/APL also licenses its technology developments (within limits). APL has flexible business arrangements and contracts available to companies to create an alliance of industry and academic resources or allow use of JHU/APL facilities (click here for example contracts/agreements).

For detailed information technology transition including points of contact, see the APL Office of Technology Transfer page(s).