BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — NASA scientists have joined the fight against COVID-19 by designing a new kind of ventilator.

Engineers at NASA's jet propulsion lab in Pasadena California came up with the innovative design in just 37 days. It was created to free up traditional hospital ventilators that have been in short supply.

NASA engineered it so it can be built quickly using fewer parts, that are still available in current supply chains.

The prototype passed a key test earlier this week. NASA is now hoping for fast-track approval of the ventilator in the coming days so it can be used to help COVID-19 patients.