A little-known story of NASA’s foray into electronics that led to some key advancements in radiation hardening
In 1964, NASA established the Electronics Research Center (ERC) near Boston, Massachusetts, to develop advanced electronics for the burgeoning space program and foster collaboration with universities and industry leaders in the field. Despite initial political controversy and budgetary challenges, the ERC made significant contributions in areas like radiation-resistant components and data storage using holography.
The center housed ten distinct labs, tackling diverse areas such as guidance systems, miniaturization of electronics, and information processing. Researchers at the ERC developed a 30 GHz oscillator, a miniaturized transducer, and a radiation-tolerant transistor, all crucial advancements for space exploration. Notably, the center explored data storage using holography, a technology with the potential for “remarkable degree of data compression,” as noted in an internal NASA document.
However, the ERC’s existence was short-lived. Established amidst political contention, the center faced criticism from various Congressional representatives who felt their regions were being overlooked by NASA’s funding decisions. Ironically, despite these challenges, the ERC witnessed personnel growth while other centers experienced staff reductions. Ultimately, budget constraints led to the center’s closure in 1970, marking the only instance of a NASA center being shut down.
Though its lifespan was relatively brief, the ERC’s legacy lives on in its contributions to the advancement of space electronics and its role in fostering collaboration within the aerospace community. Although overshadowed by larger and longer-standing facilities, the ERC’s story offers a glimpse into a crucial chapter of NASA’s history and its innovative endeavors in space exploration.
The whole fascinating account of NASA’s ERC is revealed here
Thousands of senior engineers and procurement professionals subscribe to our LinkedIn Market Intel newsletter – get yours here
For more help with looking at supply chain options, contact Astute Electronics
