# NASA Patents

## Local file

- Dataset file: `nasa_patents.csv`
- Topic: Technology, patents, and public-sector innovation
- Format: CSV
- Retrieved: 2026-07-02
- Size: 204,867 bytes, about 200.1 KB
- Shape: 1,393 data rows, 7 columns
- SHA-256: `625bfc203f115364dc8d64fa0cabce463a84d6947751548c6c752e0007811b2a`

## Source

- Found at: https://catalog.data.gov/dataset/nasa-patents
- Publisher: data.nasa.gov
- Parent organization: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Direct download used: https://data.nasa.gov/docs/legacy/NASA_Patents/NASA_Patents_rows.csv

## What it is

This dataset contains information about NASA-held and pending patents. Records include the NASA center, patent status, internal case number, patent number, application serial number, title, and patent expiration date.

The local CSV fields are:

- `Center`
- `Status`
- `Case Number`
- `Patent Number`
- `Application SN`
- `Title`
- `Patent Expiration Date`

## Notes for static website use

- The file is compact and appropriate for inclusion in a static build.
- It is suitable for a searchable patent list, center-by-center patent count, or simple status summary.
- `Status` includes both issued patents and applications, so a site should not assume every row has a valid patent number or expiration date.
- Some `Patent Expiration Date` values are blank; handle missing dates explicitly in UI and chart code.
- Patent numbers and application serial numbers should be treated as strings, not numeric values, to preserve formatting.
- The CSV was downloaded as-is from the source. No filtering, sorting, or transformations were applied.

## Enrichment package

Additional JSON and documentation were added on 2026-07-04 for possible inclusion in an interactive experience:

- `nasa_patent_summary.json`
- `nasa_patent_centers.json`
- `nasa_patent_topics.json`
- `nasa_patent_experience_context.json`
- `nasa_patents_enrichment.md`

The enrichment files preserve the CSV as the source of truth, add NASA/web-sourced center and Technology Transfer context, and include citations plus methodology notes.