[SatNews] The Space Foundation is now seeking nominations for induction into the prestigious Space Technology Hall of Fame® in 2012.

The program honors innovations by organizations and individuals who transform space technology into commercial products that improve life on Earth. Nomination information, including online and downloadable nomination forms, is available at www.SpaceTechHallofFame.org. The deadline is Wednesday, August 31, and anyone can submit a nomination of a technology that was developed anywhere in the world for use in space and then modified or adopted for use on Earth.

The Space Foundation, in cooperation with NASA, established the Space Technology Hall of Fame® in 1988 to increase public awareness of the benefits that result from space exploration programs and to encourage further innovation. Since that time, 65 technologies have been inducted. Inducted technologies include energy-saving technologies, life-saving medical devices, health improvement technologies, satellite and telecommunication technologies and practical commercial devices. Some noteworthy examples are the automatic external defibrillator; non-invasive breast biopsy technology; MRI and CAT scan imaging; anti-shock garments; LASIK eye surgery; implantable pacemakers and hearing aids; and technologies that power cellular phones, terrestrial networks and satellite broadcast television and radio communications. The 2011 inductees were two diverse technologies: Commercial Earth-Imaging Satellites, which have broad-reaching applications for national security, logistics and disaster prevention and relief; and Intrifuge CellXpansion technology, which promises help for a wide variety of diseases.

Award ceremonies for the 2012 inductees and honorees will be part of the 28th National Space Symposium, which will be held at The Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs, Colo., April 16-19, 2012. Conducted by the Space Foundation, the Symposium is the premier annual gathering of the global space community.