14 DAY TRIAL // NASA has always been, to some extent, one of the US agencies that has shared the fruits of its labor. The complex technologies its engineers have developed over the years, to tackle various aspects related to space exploration, have, in many cases, made their way into the general market. Taking into account the difficulty of the problems that NASA had to tackle, it stands to reason that its experts used some pretty extreme science to crack them. The new “Spinoff” report, published by the space agency this month, details how its innovations touched the life of millions, Space reports.
One of the most common examples of space technology coming into play on the free market is the ultraviolet (UV) radiation-resistant swimsuit, which benefits many people around the world, and prevents them from getting sunburned, or developing skin cancer from prolonged exposure to intense light. Third-generation (3G) cellular networks are also among the everyday innovations that stemmed from NASA research. At this point, the technology is being employed in mobile phones around the world, and helps people stay in touch with each other easier than ever.
Oil pipes, helicopter infrared shields and extreme weather clothing also share one NASA-driven innovation together. All of these items contain a less brittle type of aerogel, a material that was developed for the space shuttles. The goal was to keep the spacecraft's systems away from the freezing temperatures of the liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen fuels. These chemicals operate at about -297 degrees F and -423 degrees Fahrenheit, respectively. “Anti-gravity” treadmills, which are currently used to rehabilitate injured military personnel, were also created from instruments destined for astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
The truth is that, although some people continue to criticize NASA for setting too distant goals, such as lunar bases and Martian exploration, they all benefit from the research conducted in the space agency's laboratories and research centers. Ever since it appeared, the agency and its contractors have been a source and support for innovation, which has translated into obvious applications that now help millions lead a better life.