The most popular NASA free software was originally designed to allow space exploration

Many people may not know that NASA has a catalog of free software available for anyone to download. Most of the software offered was originally developed to help spacecraft exploration, and programs are available to be issued by people for other use on earth. The software catalog has hundreds of programs and more than 180 new applications, all available at no cost. 

NASA said that its programs have been adapted and used by government institutions, entrepreneurs, researchers, and other users. Among software is a program called Tetruss which is a computational fluid dynamics program developed in NASA. This software was originally designed to enable engineers to study the shape of the aircraft to minimize dragging and maximize fuel efficiency. This program is available in the US and is one of the most downloaded applications in NASA’s history.

NASA said that Tetruss was used to design aircraft, cars and vessels and investigate aerodynamic architecture and to assist in an investigation of aircraft accidents. Other popular applications are called worldwind. NASA recognizes that the volume of data captured by satellites can make data difficult to use. Worldwind visualizes NASA data gathered using a virtual world ball which is described as a video game.

Software users can zoom in from satellite heights to any point on the surface of the planet. This software has been used to help manage resources throughout the world. It is also used to support Guard Coast by producing maps of direct feed satellite and maritime data.

NASA said there were dozens of other environmental science programs available for no cost. Other tools include one to calculate the size of the solar power system and the power requirements of using fuel cells, solar cells, and batteries. Other programs can analyze the concept of solar aircraft by evaluating their flight feasibility and providing design feedback. At present, the NASA software catalog contains more than 800 programs and can be searched here.