NASA honors Waukesha company

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) recently recognized Waukesha-based ASA Analytics for commercializing technology originally developed for the space program. The company is one of many companies featured in the 2010 edition of Spinoff, an annual publication that features companies that have successfully commercialized technology developed for the space agency.
In 1991, NASA funded the development of technology that would detect nutrients and contaminants in the water sustaining growing plants. Vegetation grown hydroponically would serve as an important food source for astronauts during multi-year space missions. 
“At a time when budget deficits and high unemployment are fueling debates about the economics of space exploration and the need to create jobs, our company is living proof of the real-world benefits of commercializing scientific research,” said Bernie Beemster, president of ASA Analytics. 
ASA Analytics developed its ChemScan Automatic Online Analyzer to monitor and control processes that disinfect drinking water and sustain the organisms that breakdown sewage before returning it to the environment.  “Madison has been an incubator for creating many technology companies like ASA Analytics.There is no reason why Milwaukee can’t become one as well.  Millions of dollars in SBIR grants exist.  As a community we just have to learn how apply for them.”