Search Results for: astronauts

NASA deserves a lot of thanks. The space program is the reason we've put satellites in the sky, landed on the moon, and seen Armageddon. But in the constant quest to dominate the stars, the agency has also ended up creating tools and technologies with applications right here on Earth. In fact, you're probably using some of them right now... Memory Foam NASA engineers were tasked with developing a material for aircraft seats that would absorb shock and protect astronauts during powerful takeoffs and landings. Charles Yost, an aeronautical engineer, discovered the "slow spring back foam" matched any pressure exerted on it and was excellent at absorbing impact. Today, memory foam is used in everything from helmets to mattresses. The Dustbuster Well, at least the technology behind it. One of the most important tasks for astronauts landing on the moon was to collect samples of moon rock and soil. To drill into the moon’s crust they would need a powerful, cordless mechanism that was also compact enough to travel to the moon. NASA partnered with Black & Decker to design an appropriate device. They wound up creating a battery-powered drill. The success of the drill led the Black & Decker researchers to investigate other uses for this portable power, which led to the invention of the Dustbuster. Scratch-Resistant Lenses In 1972, the FDA issued a regulation that all eyeglasses must be shatterproof, which meant lenses could no longer be made from glass. Plastic lenses were extremely prone to scratching, so the eyeglass industry immediately began researching ways to prevent scratched lenses. Around the same time, NASA was developing an abrasion-resistant coating to protect the visors of astronauts' helmets and other space equipment. In 1983, eyeglass manufacturer Foster-Grant purchased a license from NASA for the scratch-resistant coating. Today, almost all eyeglasses and sunglasses feature plastic lenses with this technology. Infrared Thermometers Scientists applied the same technology used to measure heat emitted by planets and stars to develop a thermometer that used infrared technology to detect the heat emitted by the eardrum. Infrared thermometers worked much more quickly than traditional mercury thermometers. And because they could detect temperature through the ear instead of through mucous membranes, they greatly reduced the likelihood of germs being spread. The Super Soaker Astronauts don’t have water fights in space. But NASA employee Lonnie Johnson did discover the design that has made the toy such a powerful squirter. Johnson was researching a new type of heat pump that could be powered by water instead of by gas when he discovered that the new device shot water with incredible power. He saw a huge investment opportunity and patented his water pumping design in the early 1980s. The device has netted nearly a billion dollars in its decades of sales. UV-Protected Sunglasses In the 1980s, scientists at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Labs were tasked with finding a way to protect astronauts’ eyes from the intense sunlight they experience on the job. Scientists studied birds of prey, known for their incredible eyesight and accuracy, and discovered that their eyes secrete an oil that acts as a film to guard against harmful ultraviolet rays. The scientists used this to create a film that could be applied to sunglasses. Today, many eyeglasses and sunglasses companies utilize UV protection coatings. Invisible Braces Clear braces are made from a material called translucent polycrystalline alumina, which was developed to insulate the infrared antennas of heat-seeking missiles. This form of transparent ceramic is as durable as metal or plastic, but more aesthetically pleasing. Pavement Safety Grooving Everyone has seen this simple design: grooves etched into the sides of highways and bridges that wick away water to help prevent cars from hydroplaning. This ingenious technology was invented by NASA to aid in aircraft landings in the 1960s when a scientist discovered that etching grooves into the pavement improve traction (essential when landing aircraft at extreme speeds). Baby formula We're not baby scientists (nor are we sure that's a thing), but it doesn't take a Dr. Spock, or even a Mr. Spock, to know that infants need nutrition. Luckily, NASA is on the case. Back in the '80s, NASA researchers were looking into how microalgae could be used on long space trips as a food supply. Their work led to the creation of Formula, a food additive found in most baby formulas. The fatty acids in Formulaid are essential for a baby's mental and visual health. We're impressed, even though we now just realized we drank algae as babies. Computer Mice Until we all get those sweet interfaces from Minority Report, the mouse will be the most common way to use our personal computers. And it exists because NASA needed it. With computers being applied to more and more aspects of space flight, money was funneled into a project to make them more easily interactive. The result was the computer mouse. They probably didn't predict that kids would go on to use them to draw dicks in MS Paint. Cell phone cameras These days, it's not unlikely to assume that you use your phone to take pictures more often than you use it to make calls. You can thank NASA for that one, as well. It's estimated that about one in three cell phone cameras uses technology originally designed for the space program. Astronauts needed to be able to snap high-quality digital images of space, because conspiracy theorists will never be satisfied, but they didn't want to rely on heavy equipment. This led to the development of innovations like CMOS sensors, which allowed NASA to equip its spacecraft with small cameras while still getting high-def images out of them. Thankfully, the selfie stick had nothing to do with NASA. Ice-resistant airplanes Ice and planes mix about as well as ice and red wine. In other words, they don't mix at all. Ever. Stop it. NASA has helped keep us all safer in the sky by developing a number of electronic solutions for aircraft facing the dangers of icing, like heating the leading surfaces of the wing. The technologies that have come from these efforts are now in use on everything from commercial airliners to small one-engine planes. Water filtration If the ad copy for bottled water is any indication, we love ourselves some clear, clean, "doesn't taste like urine" water. To make sure the astronauts had that luxury, NASA developed water filtration systems for them back in the '70s that used cartridge filters and iodine. Nowadays, these technologies are in wide use, making sure that we all avoid H2O that tastes more like H2No. Survival blankets You've crash-landed in the Alaskan wilderness, and Liam Neeson is tragically not with you. Thankfully, you've got one of those lightweight survival blankets with you to keep warm. At least you'll be comfortable when the wolves arrive. You can take further comfort in the fact that NASA actually invented the material as an insulation for pretty much all of its spacecraft, from satellites to the Apollo lander. In a way, it's even more badass than having Liam Neeson with you. Better tires Radial tires have been around since 1915, but they took a major leap forward when Goodyear created a material for NASA's Viking parachute shrouds. The new material was so strong that Goodyear realized it would make for the best radial tires yet. Sadly no one has decided to strap spacecraft engines onto our cars too. Artificial Limbs Although the concept of prosthetics has been around for centuries, we can thank NASA for making modern limbs stronger and less expensive. For much of the 20th century, artificial limbs were created using plaster and cornstarch molds. This process produced limbs that were heavy and fragile, which made them impractical for many people. Credits: www.rd.com, thrillist.com and ListVerse

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