People often mistakenly think that the work NASA does has no effect on their everyday lives. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. NASA was at the forefront of some of the greatest technological innovations of the last half-century. Many of the things we use in everyday life and take for granted came out of innovations developed by the space program. You might not associate these things with space, but you have to be thankful for the brilliant minds at NASA who helped bring these technologies to the public at large.
1. Adjustable smoke detectors can distinguish between smoke from fires and harmful gases. They were developed in 1973 with the Honeywell Corporation, and are now found in most homes.
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2. Like making long distance phone calls? Luckily NASA was around to develop satellite technology that allows us to keep in contact with people all over the world.
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3. Your memory foam mattress came from the material developed for protecting planes during crashes. Thank NASA for your good night’s sleep.
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4. How much do builders and contractors love wireless, battery powered tools? NASA developed this technology for the exploration of the moon.
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5. NASA innovated new improvements to the radial tire to create a more robust vehicle for moon exploration. This improved the cars we drive today.
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6. NASA has also helped improve the lives of those who experienced loss of a limb. NASA’s development of robotic muscle systems for robots used in space helped the progression of prosthetic limb technology.
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7. The space blanket is found in many first aid kits, and is a favorite of marathon runners who need to stay warm.
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8. Those shock-absorbing soles on the bottom of your running shoes are descendants of the shock-absorbing material used in the boots of astronauts.
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9. NASA developed scratch-resistant material to protect visors and astronaut helmets, as well as space equipment. This scratch-resistant technology is now also used to protect eyeglasses and sunglasses.
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10. NASA technology also helped our world become greener. Solar plants were also developed out of technologies NASA innovated.
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(via: io9.com)
The next time someone asks you if we need NASA, point them to these 10 key inventions. We all rely on past innovations. I only wonder what NASA holds for the future.
