NASA is celebrating 50 years. (Happy Birthday NASA!) Space launches are not big news any more. In fact, can we name the last shuttle launch? Hmmm... However, they still send astronauts into space and we know the main reason they go into space is for research, testing and to learn more about our solar system. Little did WE know that there has been so much more that these trips have provided for us in our every day lives. As printed in the Huntsville Times, here are just a few:
- Air-cushioned running shoes - Using NASA space helmet technology, a former NASA engineer pitched a shoe to Nike with hollow soles filled with shock-absorbing technology. You know it as Nike-Air.
- Better cosmetics - Estee Lauder used similar image-enhancing techniques to better analyze cosmetics. The result? More subtle and effective makeup.
- The infrared ear thermometer - Modern moms have no idea how hard it was to get little Cody's temp just a few decades ago. instead of sticking a thermometer heaven knows where and trying to hold it there, today they touch an infrared thermometer to the ear and get a reading.
- Artificial limb technology - NASA funding, combined with NASA innovations in robotics and shock absorption, have now given us prostheses with the look and feel of skin outside and artificial muscles systems underneath
- Solar panels - Green living got easier because NASA in the 1980's grew silicon crystals in a lab that can convert sunlight into electricity Today's solar panels use the same technology.
- Home blood pressure kits - NASA needed a way to monitor the effects of lift off on an astronauts blood pressure. The kids developed for that formed the basis for the personal kids seen everywhere today.
- Better baby food - Commercial baby formula now contains a nutrient enrichment that dates back to NASA-funded research into the potential of algae as a recycling agent. The products life's DHA and life's ARA, which came from this research, are now in 90% of all commercial baby formulas.
- Better sunglasses - As the Belfast Telegraph noted, the special carbon coating NASA invented to protect astronauts helmets from space particle scratches is now a standard feature of modern shades. A modified form has since been used by many manufacturers including Ray-Ban, since 1980.
- Better golf balls - Wilson, the worlds largest golf-ball manufacturer, claims its balls fly farther than other because the company used aerodynamic research developed by NASA to change the dimple pattern.
THANK YOU NASA
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