Inventions from the NASA Space Program

The NASA Space Program has had numerous amazing accomplishments over the years: the launch of the first rocket, landing a man on the moon and the building an International Space Station. But some of the greatest accomplishments of the NASA Space Program are the inventions created by adapting the space program's discoveries and engineering accomplishments. These NASA inventions have saved lives. In addition, many of these NASA inventions we use everyday, inventions that we may take for granted, yet have drastically simplified or improved our lives.

DHA and ARA Enriched Baby Formula

In space, the astronauts use a specialized algae as a recycling agent. It has been discovered that this algae creates a vegetable oil like additive that contains both DHA and ARA, the important amino acids found in breast milk. These amino acids are necessary for brain development. Formulaid, a company in Europe, has used this additive in their baby formula as DHA and ARA enrichment.

Scratch and Glare Resistant Coatings

In the development of the space suit, it was necessary for NASA to invent special anti-glare, anti-UV, anti-scratch coatings to protect astronaut's eyes from the harsh light in space. Once developed, these coatings were quickly adapted for welder's masks. Since then, the anti-glare, anti-UV and anti-scratch coatings have been adapted for use in glasses and sunglasses.

Athletic shoes

A NASA space suit engineer invented a special cushioning material designed to reduce fatigue and absorb shock during long space walks and repair missions. This NASA developed material is used in the mid-soles of athletic shoes covered by air chambers. These mid-soles have greatly improved the stability and shock absorption of athletic shoes.

Athletic Helmets and Padding

NASA has put a lot of research into developing shock absorbent foams to combat the negative effects of the g-forces endured during liftoff and reentry. Through their research, NASA has invented foams that are able to return to their original shape after taking shape of an impressed object. These same materials have become very important in the development of helmets used in baseball, football, and biking. This cushioning material has also been used in knee, elbow and shoulder pads, greatly improving the protection to athletes.

Clothing

Outlast apparel company has applied the material used for NASA space suits to clothing. The clothing will absorb heat from the body, keeping a moderate temperature, and therefore lowering the amount of moisture in the clothing. This clothing, using NASA developed material, keeps people drier. It also has the ability to release the stored heat back to the body when needed. Over 200 brands of clothing now use this material.

Wireless headsets

Wireless headsets were invented by NASA for the missions to the moon. Plantronics advanced the NASA developed wireless headsets to include push to talk, Bluetooth technology, and headsets uses for X-Box Live. These advancements have greatly improved the way that business and communication is achieved around the world.

Video Stabilization Software

Video stabilization software was developed by NASA in order to analyze the space shuttle launch. Today, this video stabilization software has been adapted to be used in crime scene video analysis, medical imaging, and in home video stabilization.

Auto Insulation

Race car engines exude a lot of heat. The material NASA invented to protect the astronauts from the huge temperature swings in space has been adapted to be used in race cars, protecting the drivers from the high engine heat.

These are just a few examples of the way NASA technology has improved ordinary lives. Through future missions and endeavors, NASA will continue to serve as a platform for technological advancement and invention.