Inventions That Come From NASA
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration was created to advance aeronautic technology and to explore the universe through research and space flight. Some of the nation's brightest engineering minds have worked for NASA, creating innovative items to keep astronauts safe and comfortable. People use many of these items daily and often have no idea that they came from the minds at NASA.
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Medical Advancements
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Keeping astronauts safe and healthy in space is paramount at NASA and that has benefited society at large. NASA engineers use infrared sensors to detect the heat of new stars. They borrowed this technology to create a digital ear thermometer that reads infrared radiation from the eardrum.
NASA's digital imaging technology is used to send back clear pictures from space, now it's used in medical imaging machines to get clearer pictures in the human body.
A NASA developed communication system, called bi-directional telemetry, is used to communicate with satellites. Scientists applied this system to pacemakers, allowing a doctor to adjust the device while it is inside a person's chest.
Personal Convenience
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NASA invented a substance called "translucent polycrystalline alumina." This strong, clear substance protects sensitive infrared antennae on missile trackers. It is also used to create invisible dental braces that are as strong as traditional metal.
NASA invented a clear coating that is scratch-resistant and durable to keep equipment from being damaged by debris floating in space. It is now applied to plastic glasses lenses, making them scratch-resistant.
Moon boots were designed to protect astronauts' feet and provide comfort and cushion. That technology has resulted in cushioned insoles that slip into shoes and absorb shock.
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Construction Safety
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To repair something on the outside of a shuttle, astronauts could not use tools with power cords. NASA invented tools with a rechargeable battery pack and gave the world cordless tools.
NASA invented smoke detectors to monitor toxic vapor levels aboard the space station. The safety fixtures are now used in nearly every home and building.
Protective paint was created by NASA in order to protect the launch structures at the Kennedy Space Center from the corrosive qualities in salty Floridian air. The paint is now used to protect structures including the Golden Gate Bridge and the Statue of Liberty.
Domestic Items
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Items invented at NASA are used around the house each day. Technology created to allow clear communications between earth and spacecrafts also helps to deliver clear picture and sound from a satellite dish.
The temper foam that is inside foam memory mattresses was developed by NASA and used in shuttle seats to help absorb impact upon landing.
NASA needed its astronauts to have access to clean drinking water in space, to avoid illness at all cost. Although large-scare filtering systems existed already, NASA invented the personal filter system that many people use in a pitcher at home.
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References
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