What on Earth has NASA done?
THEY landed men on the Moon and invented the Space Shuttle – but did you know that NASA’s research also gave us the cordless vacuum cleaner and ribbed swimsuits?
The US space agency is celebrating its 60th anniversary tomorrow. And along with all its out-of-this-world achievements have come more than 2,000 technological advances that have changed our lives down on Earth too. Here JAMES MOORE reveals some of the everyday things that really were down to rocket science…
Cordless vacuum cleaner: Although battery-powered tools arrived in the early 1960s, Apollo astronauts needed a new lightweight compact drill to dig into the surface of the Moon. The technology developed to reduce power consumption for this device led to the invention of the cordless vacuum cleaner.
Computer joysticks: The technology used in the controls of the Apollo Lunar Rover and the NASA spacecraft since then has been developed for the joysticks we now use to play computer games. Invisible braces: The latest teeth-straighteners are made from transparent ceramic materials developed by NASA to protect infra-red antennae of heatseeking missile trackers.
Ear thermometers: The modern and super-accurate thermometers used by doctors involve a cameralike lens that detects thermal energy from our eardrums – and NASA first developed the technology to monitor energy given off by distant stars. Memory foam: Now used in mattresses to help give us a good night’s sleep, this material distributes pressure more evenly and returns to its original shape. It was designed for NASA aircraft seats to minimise the impact on astronauts during landings.
Scratch-resistant lenses: NASA created protective coatings for plastics used in the helmet visors of astronauts which were 10 times more resistant. Since the 1980s this technology has been used in the glasses worn by millions back on Earth.
Funky footwear: Boots for astronauts had to be designed to put a spring in their step. Shoe companies adapted these designs to lessen the impact in athletic footwear while the idea also went into the special folds in modern ski boots, combining flexibility with support. Ribbed swimsuits: NASA invented grooves called riblets which help reduce friction. This technology was then adapted for use in
TEFLON was not invented by NASA but was popularised for kitchenware after being used in spacecraft heat shields. Velcro already existed too, but sales took off after it was used to stop things floating around in zero gravity.
ribbed swimsuits with less drag – up to 15% faster than other types.
Medical machines: The NASA technology that allowed computer-enhanced pictures of the Moon has led to the better digital image processing in the MRI and CAT scans used daily in hospitals to diagnose patients.
Super soaker: NASA engineer Lonnie Johnson invented the idea of a toy gun that used pressurised water while performing experiments for a new type of refrigeration system. Water filters: Modern water filters use technology pioneered by NASA to kill bacteria. It was originally needed to keep the water taken into space ultra-clean on long missions. Retractable roof: Some retractable roofs used in sports stadia now use the stronger-than-steel materials devised by NASA for spacesuits. Smoke detector: NASA adapted existing technology to produce the first adjustable smoke detector with sensitivity levels to prevent false alarms.
Beer bubbles: Machines developed in partnership with NASA which are intended to use Martian air – mostly carbon dioxide – for fuel led to new devices to help small breweries add the stuff to their products and produce bubbles in beers.