'Space Expertise' Unveils 16 Unexpected Everyday Inventions by NASA

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Many might mistakenly believe NASA only focuses on astronomy and space; however, the U.S. Space Agency has also created 16 items and technologies for our daily life.

Despite its focus on space and exploration missions, NASA has invested heavily in researching items for space travel, including those that assist astronauts in living and working in space. Surprisingly, many of these inventions also serve our daily needs well.

Wireless Headsets

Originating from NASA's need for a wireless radio device for astronauts to communicate independently of onboard power sources, NASA partnered with Plantronics to develop a compact wireless headset compatible with astronaut helmets.

Following the partnership with Plantronics, NASA and the company made strides in miniaturizing, enhancing wireless communication clarity, upgrading noise cancellation, and adding more features to today's wireless headsets.

Memory Foam Innovation

Memory Foam, a versatile material used in pillows, car seat cushions, and even headphone pads, originated from NASA.

In the 1960s, 'Temper foam' was developed by NASA to cushion and protect astronauts during the intense pressures of space launches.

After years of improvement, NASA's Temper foam evolved into Memory Foam, known for its soft, temporary shape-conforming ability and excellent insulation, sound, and electrical resistance.

Scratch-Resistant and UV-Protective Eyewear

Sunglasses today feature scratch resistance and UV protection, innovations we owe to NASA's research and development efforts.

NASA and Foster Grant's Collaboration on UV and Scratch-Resistant Eyewear

Since this innovation, both astronauts and the public benefit from longer-lasting, health-protective eyewear, saving money and enhancing eye protection against UV rays.

Pioneering the LED Trend

While NASA didn't invent LEDs, their significant investment in LED technology for space farming on the ISS and for healing wounds with red and infrared LEDs has popularized its use.

NASA's early research spurred further development of LEDs now used in everyday life, from smartphone flashlights to smart home lighting solutions.

Thanks to NASA's groundwork, LEDs have become a staple in modern lighting, revolutionizing how we use light in technology and home environments.

Infrared Thermometers

Infrared thermometers allow for remote temperature measurement, a significant invention for safe health monitoring, especially during pandemics.

This technology is based on NASA's infrared energy measurement techniques in space, enabling quicker, more convenient, and mercury-free temperature assessments.

Freeze-Dried Food

NASA's research into freeze-drying technology, especially for preserving fruits and dairy at low temperatures, led to the development of freeze-dried food, including astronaut ice cream during the Apollo missions. This technology has evolved to improve food preservation in space.

Improvements in Baby Formula

NASA's Role in Enhancing Baby Formula

Through their research with Martin Marietta on microalgae, NASA discovered DHA, later vastly used in baby formula to support brain development.

Handheld Vacuum Cleaners

Handheld vacuum cleaners have become household favorites, thanks to their convenience and long battery life, a development significantly influenced by NASA.

In the 1960s, NASA collaborated with Black & Decker to create battery-operated tools with efficient motors suitable for low-power batteries.

This technology was utilized in the first handheld vacuum by Black & Decker in 1979, the DustBuster, marking the beginning of the cordless vacuum era.

Smoke Detector Sensor Improvements

Ionization smoke detectors, the most widely used type worldwide, owe much of their development to NASA's significant contributions.

In the 1970s, NASA and Honeywell developed a new smoke detection sensor for Skylab, designed to accurately detect fire without false alarms. This technology was later commercialized by Honeywell, enhancing smoke detection precision and reducing false signals from small-scale sources like cigarette smoke or engine exhaust.

Transparent Orthodontic Braces

NASA, while not directly creating transparent braces, developed Translucent Polycrystalline Alumina (TPA), a material used in their construction. This material, initially designed for durable polymer experiments for radar equipment casings, was found suitable for making clear, strong orthodontic braces.

TPA allows for the production of both traditional removable braces and the seamless Invisalign system, offering both dental correction and aesthetic appeal, albeit at a higher cost.

Tire Material Innovations

In the 1970s, NASA's collaboration with Goodyear Tire led to a material for the Viking mission's parachutes, inadvertently improving tire durability for everyone.

The current tire structure, featuring rubber-coated fabric strands, was inspired by parachute technology, making tires five times more durable than traditional metal ones.

Emergency Rescue Tools

Developed in partnership with Hi-Shear Technology, NASA repurposed earth-separating technology into a handheld device capable of cutting through metal to aid in rescuing trapped individuals in metal-structured facilities.

Emergency Thermal Blankets

Emergency Thermal Blankets Derived from NASA's Spacecraft Insulation Technology

Roof Insulation Techniques Inspired by NASA's Apollo Heat Shields

Cùng với dạng vật liệu giống với chiếc mền khẩn cấp và lấy ý tưởng từ NASA, các công ty vào những năm 60 đã lấy ý tưởng cách nhiệt từ tàu Apollo: Bọc các lớp nhôm mỏng để bảo vệ khỏi nhiệt độ khắc nghiệt. Áp dụng lại cách đó với công trình nhà ở, những doanh nghiệp vật liệu xây dựng đã bắt đầu đưa ra vật liệu lót mái giúp can bằng nhiệt tương tự như cách bảo vệ trạm không gian và tàu Apollo.