10 NASA inventions that we use in our daily lives; Meets

the NASA Synonymous with space missions, but it doesn’t just live off Earth. Its scientists have already contributed to many areas of industry with their inventions.

Check out the following 10 innovations that have passed through NASA professionals and are found in our daily lives:

1. Cell phone camera

It all started in the 1990s at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).Jet Propulsion Laboratory) at NASA, when the team was led by scientist Eric Fossam successfully stylized a sensor from semiconductors metal oxide Complementary (CMOS).

these tentacles It was clearly superior to models Combined shipment device (Convention to combat desertification), in use at that time. However, its adoption in the industry was slow.

Fortunately, Fossum and co-star Sabrina Kemeny were persistent. They started Photobit and have pioneered the use of CMOS sensors in industrial and commercial applications.

Their research paved the way for the tiny sensors found in our cell phones, as well as compact home security cameras, video doorbells, dash cams, and anywhere else you need a tiny sensor.

2. Wireless headphones

In the 1960s, NASA commissioned a research laboratory, ITT Labs, to develop a portable wireless system to ensure astronauts had greater freedom of movement.

ITT Labs has built a prototype around one of Plantronics’ aviation headsets. Then, the two worked together to develop a wireless version pressed directly onto the spacesuit helmet.

The long collaboration between the two has resulted in a variety of innovations in miniaturization, better wireless connectivity, noise cancellation, and wireless headphone technologies that we all enjoy today.

3. A laptop

Although NASA did not invent portable computers, the organization was influential in the early years of laptop computer development.

In the early days of the PC and laptop market, NASA and other US agencies hired a company called GRiD Systems.

At that time, it was the equipment used network compass was Powerful, with a 320 x 240 pixel screen, Intel 8086 processor, 340KB of RAM and support for external hard drives and floppy drives.

At NASA’s request, several modifications have been made over the years, including the introduction of small fans to the laptop.

4. Infant formula

Research to improve food for astronauts advanced the baby food industry.

In the 1980s, NASA and Martin Marietta investigated the use of microalgae for a variety of purposes, including food, oxygen generation, and waste disposal.

In the process, they discovered that one of the key fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), can be mass-produced using strains of algae.

Later they found a way to produce arachidonic acid (ARA) using fungi. The latter, DHA, became essential in the production of improved infant formulas, and later in the fortification of milk.

5. Portable vacuum cleaner

To carry out the Apollo and Gemini space missions, NASA had Black and Decker’s support in building a portable, autonomous drill capable of extracting lunar soil samples.

And so, according to NASA’s Technology Transfer Program, a computer program, developed to optimize the drill’s motor and power consumption, began manufacturing the popular cordless vacuum cleaner we know today.

6. A thermal blanket

You may have seen the emergency blankets that first responders wrap around accident victims called “space blankets.”

NASA invented the metallic, reflective material they’re made of to help protect and insulate equipment and even entire parts of space stations.

After its development, companies also incorporated the technology into gloves and other apparel.

7. Water filter

Water filtration technology has been known since the 1950s, but NASA was forced to bring it to a new level, offering astronauts, who were closed for a long time on the ISS (International Space Station), purified, regenerated and filtered.

Many companies have adopted this water filtration technology, turning to the space agency’s invention.

8. More resistant glass

In addition to creating anti-fog technology for goggles and lenses, NASA developed transparent materials with a hard diamond coating for flight systems, which made them impervious to dents or scratches.

In addition, the welding curtain made in the 1980s and capable of absorbing, filtering and scattering intense light has been adapted to modern accessories, resulting in the emergence of ultraviolet blocking glass.

9. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging

Although NASA did not invent MRI technology, the space agency has contributed to a large part of the advances in this field.

In the mid-1960s, after completing the moon landings, a NASA laboratory developed a technology, now known as digital image processing, that allowed software to be used to improve the quality of images of the Moon.

This progress played a role in medicine, as it allowed us to obtain the necessary images of the human body in the correct form. Based on the technology, CT and MRI have been mastered.

10. Freeze dried foods

Fruit freezing technology was developed by NASA for power Transport, in a portable manner, staple food for long expeditions Apollo.

According to NASA’s Technology Transfer Program, this technology consists of cooking, freezing, and then reheating in a vacuum chamber to remove ice crystals, resulting in 98% of the nutritional value being retained in an 80% leaner product.

Called freeze-dried food, it is currently possible to find this type of food with companies selling ready-to-eat meals or even dried fruits using this technology.

*With information from NASA’s JPL website