Makel Engineering has delivered impressive results in researching, developing, and maturing state-of-the-art technologies through strong industry product development relationships and continuous performance feedback. Makel Engineering has successfully provided the necessary support and product development insights to introduce MEMS-based technologies for a variety of government and commercial applications. MEI has an ongoing commitment to transform advanced technology into innovative products. The following chronology highlights Makel Engineering’s successes.

 
1997 Space Shuttle Discovery
NASA’s top priority is ensuring the safety of shuttle support staff and crew. One key concern is monitoring hydrogen levels during the pre-launch cryogenic fueling sequence as well as throughout the launch process. Today, information is gathered through a complex system of sampling hardware. Makel Engineering’s hydrogen sensor flew as a technology demonstrator on STS 95 and 96 and can simplify the sampling process and improve the quality of potential hydrogen leak detection information. This technology can also be used to detect leaks in a range of other launch vehicle applications.
 
1998 Lockheed Martin X-33
While today's launch systems are complex and costly to operate, the X-33 Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) program stressed a simple, fully reusable vehicle that would operate much like an airliner. NASA hoped to cut payload costs from today’s $10,000 a pound, to about $1,000 a pound. To accomplish this goal the RLV was a single-stage-to-orbit spacecraft that did not drop off components on its way to orbit. It relied on its own built-in engines to reach orbit, omitting the need for additional boosters. The Program was a technology partnership program between NASA and industry to flight test a range of technologies needed for the successful development of an RLV. As part of this partnership, Makel Engineering designed and built a fully functional hydrogen safety system for use on the X-33 RLV.
 
1999 NASA Hypersonic X-43
NASA has established an experimental hypersonic test program called Hyper-X. The program utilizes an “air-breathing” engine technology for use in future reusable space launch vehicles. While conventional rocket engines are powered by mixing fuel with oxygen, both of which are traditionally carried onboard the aircraft, the Hyper-X will carry only its fuel – hydrogen. The oxygen needed to burn the fuel will come from the atmosphere. The benefit to future launch vehicles is increased payload capacity because the heavy oxygen tanks that a typical rocket must carry are no longer required. Makel Engineering was selected to provide the hydrogen safety sensors for Hyper-X, and continues to provide systems for this ongoing program.
 
2000 International Space Station (ISS)
A key requirement of the long-term health and safety of personnel on the international space station is ensuring a sustainable living environment. Management of in-situ hydrogen levels is integral to the performance of the life support system and the safety of the crew. The sensors will warn the system if hydrogen concentrations reach critical (and potentially explosive) levels. Makel Engineering’s hydrogen sensing system, utilizes three sensors working in parallel to provide the system a constant reading of current hydrogen levels. As part of this ongoing program Makel Engineering will provide service and support for these triple redundant units. The systems will return from the station to Makel’s calibration lab for regular recalibration - insuring the accuracy and reliability of the system for years to come.
 
2001 AeroVironment Helios
The use of fuel cells for power generation enables a range of exciting new products. One such product is the Helios high-altitude long-duration remote-control airplane. This vehicle is designed to fly interrupted for several months without the need to refuel because it will draw power from the sun by day and from fuel cells at night. Helios will provide broadband networking mobile phone service and HDTV signals over a large geographic region. Eliminating the need for many ground based communication resources. Assuring the health and safety of the onboard fuel cells, is an important component of the long-term use of this technology. Makel Engineering, working in conjunction with NASA Glenn Research Center and Case Western Reserve University, monitor the fuel cells of the Helios vehicle for the presence of hazardous leaks, which may damage the power supply of the vehicle.
 
2003 Ford Model U
Makel Engineering through a new spinoff company, Standard Hydrogen, Inc., provides Ford’s research and development team with a comprehensive hydrogen monitoring system for both the passenger cabin and other critical monitoring locations including the engine and fuel storage compartments. The safety system provides continuous leak monitoring, and has been demonstrated at car shows and other advanced automotive technology events. This effort represents the company’s commitment to pursuing large-scale commercialization of Makel Engineering’s proprietary hydrogen technologies.