One thing is certain: astronaut Neil Armstrong did not 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 that it was “a giant leap for mankind.”
After all, did you know that right now, you could be using an invention developed by NASA? The Space Program has been a crucial catalyst for the advancement of technology and innovation, providing not only a deep understanding of the universe but also 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 the camera on your mobile phone to the famous “NASA Pillow,” these are some of the achievements derived from the Space Program that have permeated many aspects of our daily lives.
These inventions and technologies not only make our lives easier, but they inspire us to explore, learn, and further expand the boundaries of human knowledge about the universe. Take a look at the TOP 10 inventions that have become part of our daily lives:
1. Cell Phone Camera
Perhaps the most widely used one 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 on spacecraft and with scientific quality: 1/3 of all cameras contain this technology.
Fortified Infant Formula Foods
There were already baby food and artificial milk formulas, but a nutritionally enriching ingredient was found thanks to NASA-sponsored research exploring the use of algae in long-duration space travel.
GPS Accuracy
Developed in the 1970s, the Global Positioning System, better known by its acronym GPS, was an important invention. NASA further improved it in the 1990s by creating software to correct errors in data transmitted over the worldwide network of GPS receivers.
As a result, technology became increasingly sophisticated, reaching the great precision we have today.
Sports Shoes
In this particular case, Neil Armstrong’s phrase about “one giant leap for mankind” is useful.
Nike Air sneakers wouldn’t exist without the suit-making technology developed by NASA. An engineer at the then-space agency first came up with the idea.
Portable Vacuum Cleaner
NASA approached Black & Decker to develop a lightweight device that would allow samples to be collected from the Moon. The company used this technology to create the Dustbuster in 1979.
The handheld vacuum cleaner was an instant hit, selling over a million in its first year. Although it wasn’t very powerful, convenience won out and evolved over the years.
Memory Foam
Who hasn’t seen or owned a famous “NASA Pillow”? 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 results from a material created by NASA in the 1970s.
It is an incredible foam called viscoelastic. It is self-molding and thermosensitive and adapts to the contours and temperature of the body, helping blood circulation.
When the patent became public domain, it conquered the market for pillows, mattresses, and sports accessories.
Wireless Headphones
NASA, one of the pioneers in the advancement of communication technology, developed these wireless headphones to allow astronauts to have their hands free without cables.
Scratch Resistant Lenses
NASA developed a process for creating scratch-proof lenses to prevent dust and particles from damaging astronauts’ helmet lenses.
The Lewis Research Center developed a technique that was developed and patented. The optical industry quickly adopted this technology to make glasses 10 times stronger.
Ear Thermometers
NASA and Diatek have developed 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 temperature in less than 2 seconds.
Clear Dental Braces
Translucent Polycrystalline Alumina (TPA) was initially developed to shield 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.
