High-impact space technology and developments on Earth that improve the quality of life.
One thing is certain: astronaut Neil Armstrong didn’t know how right he was when, upon becoming the first man to set foot on the Moon on July 20, 1969, he declared in his speech, ” a giant leap for mankind .”
After all, did you know you could use an invention developed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) right now?
The Space Program has been a crucial catalyst for advancing technology and innovation, providing a deep understanding of the universe and revolutionizing human life on Earth.
Many of these innovations and developed technologies have been adapted and have improved life here on Earth.
From communication and surveillance devices to navigation systems, from your cell phone camera to the famous “Nasa Pillow,” the Space Program’s achievements have permeated many aspects of our daily lives.
These inventions and technologies make our lives easier and inspire us to explore, learn, and further expand the boundaries of human knowledge about the universe.
Here is a quick look at the Top 17 inventions that have become part of our daily lives:
1. Cell Phone Camera
Perhaps the most widely used by everyone today, after all, who doesn’t have a smartphone these days? In the 1990s, a team at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) worked to create cameras small enough to fit into spacecraft and of scientific quality: 1/3 of all cameras contain such technology.
2. Fortified Baby Formula
Baby food and artificial milk formula already existed, but it was thanks to NASA-sponsored research exploring the use of algae in long-duration space travel that a nutritionally enriching ingredient was found.
3. GPS Accuracy
The global positioning system, better known by its acronym GPS, was an important invention. Developed in the 1970s, it was further improved by NASA, which, in the 1990s, created software to correct errors in the data transmitted on the worldwide network of GPS receivers.
As a result, the technology became increasingly sophisticated, until it reached the great precision we have today.
4. Sports Shoes
In this particular case, Neil Armstrong’s quote about “one giant leap for mankind” comes in handy. Nike Air sneakers wouldn’t exist without the suit-making technology developed by the US space agency. An engineer at the then-space agency first came up with the idea.
5. Handheld Vacuum Cleaner
NASA approached Black & Decker to develop a lightweight device that would allow samples to be collected on the Moon. The company used this technology to create the Dustbuster. in 1979.
The portable vacuum cleaner was an instant hit, selling over a million in its first year. Although it wasn’t very powerful, comfort won out and it evolved over the years.
6. Memory Foam
Who hasn’t seen or owned a famous “Nasa Pillow” for sale? But let’s be clear: the American space agency has never developed a pillow for astronauts, let alone for us.
However, the technology behind this product is based on a material created by the space research agency in the 1970s.
It is an incredible foam called viscoelastic. It is self-molding and thermosensitive and adapts to the contour and temperature of the body, helping blood circulation. When the patent became public domain, it conquered the market for pillows, mattresses, and sports accessories.
7. Wireless Headphones
NASA, one of the pioneers in the advancement of communication technology, developed these wireless headsets to allow astronauts to have their hands free, without cables.
8. Scratch-resistant Lenses
To prevent dust and particles from damaging the lenses of astronaut helmets, the aforementioned agency developed a process to create scratch-proof lenses. The Lewis Research Center created a technique that was developed and patented. Thus, the optical industry quickly adopted this technology to make glasses 10 times more resistant.
9. Ear Thermometers
Together with Diatek, he invented an ear thermometer that uses infrared astronomy technology to measure the amount of energy emitted by the eardrum. And so we have versions that can measure the temperature, accurately, in less than two seconds.
10. Transparent Dental Appliances
Translucent Polycrystalline Alumina (TPA) was initially developed to protect antennas from infrared rays in space.
However, translucent ceramics were much more popular with orthodontic appliance manufacturers in the 1980s, as they made it possible to create brackets that were more resistant than classic metal ones, and whose transparency was an aesthetic attraction.
11. Computer Microchip
Modern microchips are descended from the integrated circuits used in the flight assistance computer of the Apollo capsules.
12. Joystick
This computer gaming device, which is usually a joystick with a base and can perform a range of movements and often has buttons that allow the user to give instructions or perform actions, was first used on the Apollo Lunar Rover. They are key to precise navigation and system control.
13. Satellite Television
Technology used to fix errors in communication signals with spacecraft now helps reduce interference in satellite television images and sound.
14. Smoke Detector
Although invented by Francis Robbins Upton in 1890, it could not be adjusted until NASA invented a model with variable sensitivity in 1973 to prevent false alarms. Units were installed on the Skylab space station to detect toxic fumes on board.
15. Swimsuits
NASA used the same drag-reducing principles in space that are now used by ultra-fast swimsuit makers like Speedo, and have caused a stir for the advantages they provide.
16. Water Filters
Today’s home versions borrowed a technique pioneered by the U.S. space agency that killed bacteria in the water in tanks astronauts used for drinking.
17. The Mouse
This device that we use every day on our computers has its roots in NASA research in the 1960s. Bob Taylor and Douglas Engelbart were responsible for its creation.
