NASA technology to evaluate roadside emissions from space

SPX Service Solutions, a global provider of technical products and systems, announced on 19 July that it had received the licence to use patented NASA technology to develop a remote sensing device, which it expects to manufacture in 2001.

The NASA technology to be used was originally developed to track global greenhouse gases and the Earth’s protective ozone layer. However, the new sensor system will operate on the ground, emitting a low-power light beam capable of instantly analysing vehicle exhaust pollutants.

“Remote testing of vehicle exhaust will provide governments around the world with a fast, efficient and low-cost method to identify and reduce motor vehicle air pollution and greenhouse gases, which account for approximately half of all air pollution,” said Craig Rendahl, Remote Sensing business leader for SPX Service Solutions.

Besides taking individual exhaust measurements, the new technology would photograph license plates and transmit the data to a central collecting point. Drivers whose vehicles produce excessive emissions or gave marginal readings would be identified for additional testing and possible emissions-related repairs.