NASA has significantly influenced daily life through various technological advancements originally developed for space exploration. Innovations that originated at the agency now enhance everyday experiences, from smartphone cameras to GPS applications.
Many may not realize that the camera technology used in smartphones today traces its roots back to the early 1990s, when a team at NASA”s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) focused on creating more compact and efficient sensors for spacecraft. According to Tom Cwik, Chief Technologist at JPL, “Today, virtually every selfie, photo or video you take is made possible by technology that originated in the space program.” The precision GPS software, initially developed to track satellite orbits with centimeter-level accuracy, is now integral to many location-based applications on smartphones.
Beyond cameras and GPS, numerous everyday products have emerged from NASA innovations, including items like baby formula, the Dustbuster, ear thermometers, laptops, memory foam, Nike Air sneakers, insulin pumps, and wireless headsets. One particularly novel application of NASA research even led to advancements in skincare. A bacterium found by JPL for sanitizing spacecraft destined for Mars has since been licensed for use in sunscreen, enhancing its SPF and anti-aging properties.
NASA“s impact extends to the food sector as well. In 1969, Pillsbury introduced “Space Food Sticks,” developed specifically for astronauts, to grocery store shelves. Additionally, the orange-flavored drink mix Tang gained popularity after being selected by NASA for space missions due to its ease of storage and solubility in zero gravity.
The agency”s technological advancements have also made significant strides in healthcare. Infrared sensors originally designed for astronomical observations have been adapted to produce affordable infrared thermometers and sophisticated cancer detection tools. These developments illustrate how NASA“s innovations have permeated various aspects of modern medicine.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, NASA engineers rose to the challenge by developing the VITAL ventilator, which stands for Ventilator Intervention Technology Accessible Locally. This device was created in just 37 days and received rapid emergency authorization from the FDA, enabling manufacturers around the world to produce it. The VITAL ventilator”s design required fewer components than traditional models, facilitating quicker and more efficient production.
Looking to the future, Cwik suggests that NASA“s infrared technology may play a pivotal role in combating wildfires. The laboratory is working on fire detection systems that utilize infrared imaging to identify hot spots early, while additional instruments monitor dryness and environmental conditions. Cwik anticipates that the combination of these technologies with artificial intelligence and machine learning could transform wildfire prevention and response strategies.
“Companies are coming together now on this, and I think we”ll see the benefits of these technologies in our communities in the coming years,” Cwik noted.
