NASA is synonymous with space exploration, astronauts, and moon landings. This federal agency is made up of a team of scientists who are constantly studying and experimenting to make advances in the fields of aeronautics and aerospace research. That quest for innovation has led to the invention of some common products that many of us use every day. The list may surprise you.
Mylar, a heat-reflecting plastic shield coated in aluminum, was designed by NASA in the 1950s to protect spacecrafts from the sun’s heat. The intense fluctuations in cold and heat experienced in space made it extremely difficult to regulate the temperature of the space shuttle and the astronauts on board. Mylar insulation solved the issue. An integral component in spaceship and spacesuit design, Mylar has been incorporated into our lives in a variety of ways. Most insulation used by residential and commercial contractors is mylar-based. A somewhat less expected use of the product involves marathons. The silver blankets that you see wrapped around finishers of marathons all over the world are made from Mylar. The insulation provides the perfect solution for exhausted athletes who can quickly develop hypothermia after completing a race.
When they were looking for a self-contained, portable drill to cut core samples on the moon, NASA reached out to Black and Decker. The company had already designed a line of cordless tools, but the products needed a little tweaking. The push from NASA was enough to refine the quality and battery life of these power tools. Black and Decker used the improved technology to create the first cordless vacuum, which they named the Dustbuster.
Invented by a former NASA engineer, this amped-up water gun quickly became a fan favorite of adolescent boys everywhere. Lonnie Johnson worked on NASA’s Galileo mission to Jupiter before leaving the agency to develop the Super Soaker. These incredibly powerful water cannons help kids all over the country drench their opponents faster and further than ever before.
Also known as Temper Foam, this mattress innovation was stumbled upon when NASA was contracted to improve crash cushioning and seat cushions for airplane pilots and passengers. With extensive commercial uses, Memory foam was initially designed to make landings safer for astronauts. Doctors use this absorbent foam to reduce pressure on body parts and reduce friction on prosthetic limbs.
Space can be a dusty and dirty place. NASA engineers needed to find a way to keep those dirt particles from destroying the astronaut’s space helmets and equipment. A substance called diamond-like carbon, or DLC, was developed to provide a protective film over the helmet visors. The Foster-Grant sunglass company recognized that this innovation could improve the quality of their glasses. They teamed up with NASA and created a plastic coating that creates a barrier which is 10 times more scratch-resistant than traditional plastic lenses.
Astronauts spend extensive periods of time in zero-gravity environments. Long term weightlessness can lead to muscle atrophy and a decrease in bone density. For this reason, astronauts must exercise regularly and extensively while in space. NASA engineers created treadmills and other workout machines to allow the astronauts to work out while on their space missions. The cardiovascular equipment that we all use at the gym was developed based on NASA’s inventions.
When you think of heat-seeking missiles, you don’t typically think of braces. NASA developed transparent polycrystalline alumina (TPA), the material that invisible braces are made from, when searching for an incredibly durable yet lightweight component to help track missiles it was building. A company called Ceradyne used that technology to create the braces that are seen on teenagers all over the country. Stronger than steel and translucent, this aesthetically pleasing invention is a big improvement over the traditional stainless steel ‘metal mouth’ look of its predecessor.
The invention of the infrared sensors created by NASA used to get temperature readings of celestial objects in space was a significant advancement in space research. Medical researchers recognized the value of this technology and used it to develop the optical sensor used in today’s ear thermometers. When placed in the ear, they provide a rapid temperature reading. These thermometers are less invasive and more accurate than the mercury thermometers used in the past.
Water filtration devices have been around since the 1950s. Bulky and time-consuming, these products were not useful to astronauts on board a spacecraft. NASA engineers developed a portable and compact device that could kill and filter out any bacteria present in the astronaut’s water supply. These advancements in water filtration are used by companies to provide clean water to millions of people every day.
To address the challenge of providing astronauts with nutritious meals in space, NASA developed freeze-drying technology. This process removes moisture from food, preserving its nutritional content and extending its shelf life. Today, freeze-dried food is commonly used in military rations, camping supplies, and emergency food kits.
NASA's research on algae for space missions led to the discovery of a nutrient-rich algae strain known as Arthrospira platensis, or Spirulina. This microorganism became the basis for enriched baby food formulas, providing essential vitamins and minerals for infants' growth and development.
NASA's studies on plant growth in space revealed that certain wavelengths of LED light could promote plant growth and accelerate healing in astronauts. This research paved the way for the development of LED therapy, a non-invasive treatment used in medicine and skincare to stimulate tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and alleviate pain.
NASA's research on fire safety in spacecraft led to the development of smoke detectors that utilize a dual-chamber design. This technology significantly improved the reliability and sensitivity of smoke detection systems, leading to widespread adoption in homes, businesses, and public buildings.
In addition to the Dustbuster vacuum mentioned in the original list, NASA's collaboration with Black and Decker also contributed to the development of portable cordless tools such as drills and screwdrivers. These tools revolutionized construction and repair work by providing greater mobility and convenience for workers.
NASA's advancements in robotics and materials science have influenced the development of prosthetic limbs with enhanced functionality and durability. By incorporating lightweight and durable materials such as carbon fiber and titanium, these artificial limbs offer improved mobility and comfort for amputees.
The next time you reach for your sunglasses or get into a water gun fight, take a second to give a ‘thanks’ to the NASA engineer who helped invent them.
