A brief overview of space applications for ultrasonics

Sonics and space are two topics which are not commonly considered together. However, sonic and ultrasonic models, devices and systems have space applications in both science and engineering, as well as showing promise in fields such as cleaning, healthcare and construction. This short paper describes some of these activities and appears as results start to come in from the Curiosity rover, which landed on Mars on the 6th of August, 2012, with over 20 piezoelectric and mechanically-resonant components on board.

► Ultrasonics supports diverse aspects of space science, engineering and medicine.
► Ultrasonic devices already have an important safety role on the International Space Station.
► There are future space applications for both power and medical ultrasonics.