Laser coding and printing specialist DataLase, Intermec and NASA have collaborated to launch a selection of marked RFID tags and aluminium discs into space. The experiment will form part of NASA’s latest research aboard the International Space Station and will test the durability of DataLase marking techniques under the extreme conditions of space.
The tags and discs have been marked with 2D codes and text, and will be attached to the outside of the ISS for a full year. During this time, they will be exposed to extreme levels of ultraviolet radiation, atomic oxygen, hard vacuum and contamination.
Researchers chose DataLase Guardmark product for this job because of its capacity to create high quality, indelible marks capable of withstanding the extreme conditions found in space. The technique is said to achieve a faster and higher quality print than traditional inkjet marking. Marks created are also indelible and tamper proof.
