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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Alan Hayes, at microphone, chairman of Volanz Aerospace Inc., addresses the participants in the 2009 Astronaut Glove Challenge, part of NASA’s Centennial Challenges Program, at the Astronaut Hall of Fame near NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Volanz Aerospace Inc., of Owings, Md., administers the competition at no cost to NASA. The nationwide competition focused on developing improved pressure suit gloves for astronauts to use while working in space. During the challenge, inventors tested the gloves to measure dexterity and strength during operation in a glove box which simulates the vacuum of space. Centennial Challenges is NASA’s program of technology prizes for the citizen-inventor. The winning prize for the Glove Challenge is $250,000 provided by the Centennial Challenges Program. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett