This system has helped people for decades
Ski boots, which allow for precision skiing, use an adaptation of the technology used in spacesuit joints.
Originally intended to ensure the safety of foods for spaceflights, NASA and Pillsbury created a new systemic approach to quality control for prepackaged foods. It later became an industry standard around the world.
Back in the '70s, NASA needed a new drill to scoop up dust from the Moon's surface. They needed a design that was small, lightweight, and with its own power source. NASA hired Black & Decker to create the tool, which became a success. And from the same principles of the Moon drill, they created the hand-held vacuum.
Created to insulate the command modules from solar radiation and space temperatures, these shiny films can now be found in homes and commercial buildings.
In 1983, NASA added its tech to an early laptop, called the Shuttle Portable Onboard Computer (SPOC). They later modified the design, incorporating components that would eventually end up in consumer laptops, such as fan-based cooling.
Together with Jet Propulsion Laboratory, NASA created a technology that allows you to still use the GPS on your phone even without any wireless connection.
For the Apollo 14 mission in 1971, NASA designed a portable workbench on wheels, named the Modularized Equipment Transporter (MET). The tires remained rubbery at -195°F (-126°C). Manufacturers began then to offer winter tires for cars, which were formulated using the same thick material.
Thanks to NASA, recreational pools don't have to be a breeding ground for bacteria. In the early '60s, they developed an electrolytic silver ionizer to purify drinking water for astronauts. Now it's used to keep pools clean.
NASA first tested the use of microalgae as a nutritional enrichment ingredient for long-duration space travel. This ingredient is now found in over 90% of infant formulas sold in the US.
Freeze-drying technology was developed by NASA to make snacks more portable for long Apollo missions. In this process, food is cooked, frozen, and slowly heated in a vacuum chamber to remove the ice. It retains 98% of its nutritional value, with only 20% of its original weight.
Temper foam, also known as memory foam, was first created as padding to improve airline crash protection. Now it's found in everything from mattresses to amusement park rides and horseback saddles.
To prevent its spacecraft windows from fogging up, NASA developed a fogless coating for the glass that was later licensed to more than 60 companies. Made of liquid detergent, deionized water, and fire-resistant oil, the solution can be found in ski goggles, car windows, and more.
To prevent aircraft accidents on wet runways, NASA developed a grooving technique in the concrete. This is now used on highways as well.
Used every day by people in the medical profession, CAT scans were originally developed to create advanced digital images for space programs.
In the '70s, NASA developed a way to apply a specific kind of thin plastic coating on the spacecraft. They then realized it could be used as scratch-resistant coatings for space helmet visors. And with the help of sunglasses company Foster Grant, the technology was soon applied to plastic lenses.
Thanks to a thermoelectric deicing system called Thermawing, which was developed by NASA, we can safely fly through freezing conditions.
In the '90s, NASA created a camera small enough to fit on a spacecraft without sacrificing the quality. The technology, known as CMOS image sensors, is now used in your phone's camera.
The technology used in Nike Air sneakers was originally developed for space suits. Former NASA engineer M. Frank Rudy patented his blow rubber molding technology, which Nike later used in their sneakers.
Scientists developed a welding curtain in the '80s, capable of absorbing, filtering, and scattering intense light. They later realized this same technology could be used for sunglasses, and that’s how UV-blocking sunglasses came about.
Used to regulate body temperature, these blankets were developed by NASA to protect spacecrafts and astronauts from extreme dips in temperature. Today you can find them in many emergency kits.
As the space equipment must withstand radical conditions, such as the heat of rocket exhaust and freezing temperatures, NASA developed anti-corrosion coating.
Engineer Adam Kisseh was hearing impaired and unsatisfied with the available hearing aids. So he created sound and vibration sensor systems to develop early cochlear implant technology, which uses electrical impulses rather than sound amplification.
In the '60s, NASA developed the computer mouse to make computers more interactive by enabling users to manipulate data on the screen.
Invisible braces are made using transparent polycrystalline alumina, which was originally developed by NASA to track heat-seeking missiles.
Used by parents of sick babies and toddlers, these thermometers use infrared anatomy technology, which was invented by NASA and Diatek.
Athletic wear are made of materials with cooling system technology, which was originally invented to keep astronauts protected from the inhospitable environment of space.
NASA developed wireless headsets to allow astronauts to communicate hands-free and without wires.
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If you live in a home outfitted with crystal silicon solar power cells, you have NASA to thank for your lower energy bills. Together with the SunPower Corporation, they developed the high-performance, low-cost power cells to be able to power remotely piloted aircraft, without any extra weight.
People with diabetes can thank NASA for the insulin pump. They created the device that can monitor a person's blood sugar levels and send signals to release insulin into the body when needed.
We're all familiar with NASA's astronomical advances, but you may be surprised to find out that some of their inventions might be in your home, or even on you, as you read this. Since it was founded in 1958, NASA has invented all sorts of technology to solve the peculiar problems of space exploration. And some of these inventions have been licensed to companies to make products. Known as "spinoffs" in NASA lingo, today, you can basically find these inventions everywhere.
Click through to discover NASA's everyday inventions.
NASA inventions we use every day
Thanks to NASA, these inventions have made our lives easier
LIFESTYLE Curiosities
We're all familiar with NASA's astronomical advances, but you may be surprised to find out that some of their inventions might be in your home, or even on you, as you read this. Since it was founded in 1958, NASA has invented all sorts of technology to solve the peculiar problems of space exploration. And some of these inventions have been licensed to companies to make products. Known as "spinoffs" in NASA lingo, today, you can basically find these inventions everywhere.
Click through to discover NASA's everyday inventions.