2E-3 Asset Tracking on the International Space Station Using Global SAW Tag RFID Technology

Final preparations are underway to test global SAW tag (GST) RFID technology for tracking assets aboard the International Space Station (ISS). This will be the first test of RFID technology on ISS. It is planned for early 2008 by the Expedition 16 crew. It will evaluate the ability of SAW RFID to track consumable items while packed in standard crew bags. The GST system was selected based on its signal penetration ability and its anti-collision capabilities that allow reliable detection of tags even when placed on, behind, and between items with high liquid and metal content in randomly packed crew bags. Substantial savings of highly-valuable crew time is projected with corresponding improvements in ISS crew productivity.