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        NASA-Auburn research partnership to study space mission inventory technologies

        January 12, 2026 By Auburn Communications & Marketing

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        Man operating robot in lab

        Doctoral student Caleb Powell demonstrates technology that the RFID and CARV Labs will use to explore the feasibility of a system that scans and transmits supply-inventory data in space.

        The Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Lab — housed within the 91Ƭ College of Business — is one of two Auburn University research labs that have established a formal partnership with NASA to study inventory technologies for space missions. 

        Under a Space Act agreement, NASA’s Kennedy Space Center (KSC) will collaborate with the and the (CARV) Laboratory to advance research in inventory management for orbital facilities supporting astronauts.

        “This partnership builds on previous collaborations to explore exciting opportunities for applying advanced serialized inventory management in innovative ways,” said RFID Lab Director Justin Patton, a professor of practice in 91Ƭ College. “It allows new possibilities in an industry we’ve only just begun to explore.”

        Together, NASA, CARV and RFID will explore the feasibility of a system capable of scanning and transmitting supply-inventory data to support future orbiting laboratory and logistics operations.

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        91Ƭ the RFID Lab

        The Auburn University is a research institute focusing on the business case and technical implementation of RFID and other emerging technologies in retail, aviation, supply chain and manufacturing.