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Spinoffs
from Space! |
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"The
greatest gain from space travel consists in the
extension of our knowledge. In a hundred years this
newly won knowledge will pay huge and unexpected
dividends."
-
Professor Werner von Braun
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Why go into space when
we have so many problems here on Earth? What
does the space program do for me?
These
are legitimate questions and unfortunately not enough
people are aware of the vast benefits the space
program provides that increase the quality of our
lives. Applications on Earth of technology needed
for space flight have produced thousands of spinoffs
that contribute to improving the national economy,
productivity and lifestyle. It is almost impossible
to find an area of everyday life that has not been
improved by these spinoffs. Collectively, these
secondary applications represent a substantial return
on the national investment in aerospace research.
The benefits
of space technology are far-reaching and affect
the lives of every American. NASA technologies
have benefited U.S. industry, improved our quality
of life and created jobs for Americans. These
technologies are incorporated into the tools you
use, the foods you eat, and the biotechnology and
medicines you use to improve your health and have
led to the computer bar codes in retail stores,
quartz timing crystals and household smoke detectors.
The technologies have also benefited the medical
field. Pacemakers for cardiac patients and portable
medical equipment on ambulances are a couple of
these examples.
Studies
have shown that significant impacts and benefits from
the space program include a dollar return of about
$7 for every dollar spent on the space program.
Lives have been made better and have been saved here
on Earth due to the medical and technological breakthroughs
that have come out of space research.
Read
about the
effects of space research on society.
One
example is the Hubble Space Telescope. Much maligned
at first because of its flawed optics, it still produced
better photographs than anything here on Earth. Once
fixed, it has produced even more startling scientific
data which we have only begun to understand and apply.
One of the many spinoffs from the Hubble telescope
is the use of its Charge Coupled Device (CCD) chips
for digital imaging
breast biopsies. The resulting device images breast
tissue more clearly and efficiently than other existing
technologies.
Examples
of spinoffs
3-D Biotechnology
Developed for Space Shuttle medical research,
the 3-D biotechnology is a rotating cell-culture
device that simulates the microgravity of space.
This allows researchers to grow cells in three dimensions.
The device may one day help researchers find cures
for dangerous infectious diseases and offer alternatives
to patients who need organ transplant surgery.
Artificial
Limbs
In responding to a request from the orthopedic-appliance
industry, NASA recommended that the foam insulation
used to protect the Shuttle's external tank replace
the heavy, fragile plaster used to produce master
molds for prosthetics (artificial limbs). The new
material is light, virtually indestructible, and easy
to ship and store.
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Materials from the Space
Shuttle thermal protection system are used on NASCAR
racing cars to protect drivers from the extreme heat
generated by the racing car engines. |
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Better
Balance
Devices built to measure the equilibrium of Space
Shuttle astronauts when they return from space are
now widely used by major medical centers to diagnose
and treat patients suffering from head injury, stroke,
chronic dizziness, and disorders of the central nervous
system.
Blood Serum Research
An astronaut's body, once freed of gravity's pull,
experiences a redistribution of body fluids that can
lead to a decrease in the number of red blood cells
and produce a form of space anemia. Monitoring and
evaluating blood serum was required to understand
these phenomena. However, existing blood-analysis
technology required the use of a centrifugation technology
that was not practical in space. NASA developed new
technologies for the collection and real-time analysis
of blood as well as other bodily fluids without the
need for centrifugation.
Bioreactor
Developed for Space Shuttle medical research,
this rotating cell culture apparatus simulates some
aspects of the space environment, or microgravity,
on the ground. Tissue samples grown in the bioreactor
are being used to design therapeutic drugs and antibodies.
Some scientists believe the bioreactor will routinely
produce human tissue for research and transplantation.
Byte Out
of Crime
Image-processing technology used to analyze Space
Shuttle launch videos and to study meteorological
images also helps law enforcement agencies to improve
crime-solving videos. The technology removes defects
due to image jitter, image rotation, and image zoom
in video sequences. It also may be useful for medical
imaging, scientific applications and home video.
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Computer games can now
be played with all the precision and sensitivity needed
for a safe and soft Space Shuttle touchdown. A game-controlling
joystick for personal computer-based entertainment
systems was modeled after controls used in Shuttle
simulators. Astronauts use the joystick to practice
runway landings and orbit maneuvering. |
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Faster Diagnostics
NASA technology was used to create a compact
laboratory instrument for hospitals and doctor offices.
This device quickly analyzes blood, accomplishing
in 30 seconds what once took 20 minutes to accomplish
with conventional equipment.
Fire-Resistant
Foam
A unique foam developed for Space Shuttle thermal
insulation and packing is now being used as thermal
and acoustical insulation in aerospace, marine, and
industrial products. Since it's also fire resistant,
it's also being used for fire barriers, packaging,
and other applications requiring either high-temperature
or very low-temperature insulation in critical environments.
For example, use of these foam products by airframe
manufacturers such as Boeing, Lockheed-Martin, and
Airbus provides major weight savings while retaining
good thermal and acoustical properties in various
products. |
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A sensitive, gas infrared
camera used by NASA observers to monitor the blazing
plumes from the Space Shuttle's solid rocket boosters
is also capable of scanning for fires. Firefighters
use this hand-held camera to pinpoint the hotspots
of wildfires that rage out of control. |
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Gas Gauges
A gas leak-detection system, originally developed
to monitor the Shuttle's hydrogen propulsion system,
is now being used by the Ford Motor Company to produce
a natural gas-powered car.
Jet
Stripping
NASA developed a tool that uses powerful jet streams
of water to strip paint and primer from the Space
Shuttle's solid rocket boosters. A commercial version
of this water jet is now being used to treat turbine-engine
components, airframe components, large aerospace hardware,
ships and other mechanical devices using only pure
water. No hazardous chemicals are needed.
Jeweler's
Gem
Jewelers no longer have to worry about inhaling
dangerous asbestos fibers from the blocks they use
as soldering bases. Space Shuttle heat-shield tiles
offer jewelers a safer soldering base with temperature
resistance far beyond the 1,400°F generated by the
jeweler's torch.
Land
Mine Removal
The same rocket fuel that helps to launch the
Space Shuttle is now being used to save lives_by
destroying land mines. A flare device which uses
leftover fuel donated by NASA, is placed next to
the uncovered land mine and is ignited from a safe
distance using a battery-triggered electric match.
The explosive burns away, disabling the mine and
rendering it harmless.
Lifesaving
Light
Special lighting technology developed for plant-growth
experiments on Space Shuttle missions is now being
used to treat brain tumors in children. Doctors at
the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee use
light-emitting diodes in a treatment called photodynamic
therapy, a form of chemotherapy, to kill cancerous
tumors.
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| Meal
Systems for the Elderly |
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Meal
systems for the elderly uses NASA's food preparation
expertise to improve the nutritional status of elderly
people.
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Medical
Advances
Technology used in Space Shuttle fuel pumps
led to the development by a NASA and renowned heart
surgeon Dr. Michael DeBakey of a miniaturized ventricular-assist
pump. The tiny pump_a mere 2 inches
long, 1 inch in diameter, and weighing less than
4 ounces_is currently undergoing
clinical trials in Europe, where it has been successfully
implanted into more than 20 people. Programmable
heart pace-makers were first developed in the 1970's
using NASA satellite elcetrical systems. Fetal
heart monitors were developed from technology originally
used to measure airflow over aircraft wings.
Kidney dialysis machines were developed as a result
of a NASA-developed chemical process, and insulin
pumps were based on technology used on the Mars
Viking spacecraft.
Product Labeling
NASA needs to identify, track, and keep records
on each of the thousands of heat-shield tiles on
the Space Shuttle. This need required a labeling
system that could be put on ceramic material and
withstand the rigors of space travel to be readable
after a flight. NASA developed high data-density,
two-dimensional, machine-readable symbol technology
used to mark individual tiles. This novel method
of labeling products with invisible and virtually
indestructible markings can be used on electronic
parts, pharmaceuticals, and livestock_in
fact, on just about anything.
Quick-Fit
Fasteners
Fastening items in space is a difficult task.
A Virginia company developed a fastener for NASA that
can be pushed on, rather than turned. These quick-connect
fasteners are flexible and strong, and they have been
used by NASA astronauts since 1989. The product is
now in use by firefighters and nuclear power-plant
repair technicians, and it has other commercial applications
as well.
Rescue 911
Rescue squads have a new extrication tool to
help remove accident victims from wrecked vehicles.
This handheld device requires no auxiliary power
systems or cumbersome hoses and is 70% cheaper than
previous rescue equipment. The cutter uses a miniature
version of the explosive charges that separate devices
on the Space Shuttle.
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| Satellites
Satellite communications allow news organizations to provide live, on-the-spot
broadcasting from anywhere in the world, families
and businesses to stay in touch using cell phone
networks, satellite tv and radio, and the convienence
of ATM's across the world.
Slick Products |
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A lubricant used on
the transporter that carries a Space Shuttle to the
launch pad has resulted in a commercial penetrating-spray
lube, which is used for rust prevention and loosening
corroded nuts. It's also a cleaner and lubricant for
guns and fishing reels, and it can be used to reduce
engine friction. |
| Infrared sensors developed to remotely
measure the temperature of distant stars and planets
for the Space Shuttle Program led to the development
of the hand-held optical sensor thermometer. When
it is placed inside the ear canal, the thermometer
provides an accurate reading in 2 seconds or less. |
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Already successful with
its Nerf® toy products, Hasbro, Inc., wanted to
design a toy glider that a child could fly. In benefiting
from NASA wind-tunnel and aerodynamic expertise used
in the Space Shuttle Program, Hasbro improved the
flying distances and loop-to-loop stunts of its toy
gliders. |
| Tracking
Vehicles on Earth
Tracking information originally used for Space
Shuttle missions now helps to track vehicles here
on the ground. This commercial spinoff allows vehicles
to transmit a signal back to a home base. Many cities
today use the software to track and reassign emergency
and public works vehicles. The technology is also
used by vehicle fleet operations, such as taxis, armored
cars, and vehicles carrying hazardous cargo.
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Marshall
Space Flight Center used technology from astronaut
space suits to improve the safety of firefighter
attire. This new attire is lightweight, fire-resistant,
and heat-protective.
The Technology
Transfer Program at NASA helps business
take advantage of NASA research to benefit technologies
in the home, in hospitals, at the mall, at the airport,
in the sports stadium, in museums, on farms, for
science, at the firehouse, and for the environment. |
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Click
here for descriptions of all of the benefits
that NASA has helped bring to your daily life.
The
commercial development of the space frontier is one
of the greatest opportunities facing our nation. It
is the growth of business into space that will continue
to bring the benefits of space down to Earth and enrich
the everyday lives of people here on Earth.
NASA
is encouraging businesses through the
Space Product Development (SPD) Program. This
program helps to ensure the continued economic growth
of the U.S. and to bring the opportunities for new
advances, technological understanding, products, and
jobs to the public.
The NASA Commerical and Technology Network (NCTN) highlights
the successful transfer and commercialization of
NASA-sponsored research and technology through information
dissemination, technical assistance, technology
licensing, cooperative research and development
(R&D) and other forms of collaboration and partnership.
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Astronaut
relaxation techniques that use biofeedback have fostered
stress-relieving commercial products. Bio-Ball®
is a baseball game in which deep muscle relaxation
controls events rather than joystick manipulation.
Music Magic® is an interactive piano keyboard
that responds to different levels of deep muscle relaxation.
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IPIX fish-eye spherical
cameras seamlessly blend two 180-degree images into
one image. 360-degree panoramas can be viewed
over the Web and are used by real estate agents and
museums. |
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Click
here for the bimonthly publication from
NASA's Office of Aeronautics and Space Transportation
Technology featuring stories on technology transfer
and commercialization activities and accomplishments.
Visit the
Space Technology Hall of Fame at the U.S. Space
Foundation. Its purpose is threefold: (1) to
honor the innovators who have transformed technology
originally developed for space use into commercial
products; (2) to increase public awareness of the
benefits of space spinoff technology; and (3) to
encourage further innovation.
Search the Spinoffs
Network Database. This database will help
you to find products/services that incorporate NASA
technology in such areas as health and medicine,
environment, public safety, consumer/home/recreation,
transportation, computer technology, and industrial
productivity. |
| Preparing for exploration and research
accelerates the development of technologies that are
essential to the economy and national security. NASA
plans to work with other government agencies and the
private sector to develop space systems that can adequately
meet the national and commercial needs of the United
States. Exploration and discovery are key factors
of growth in our society. By moving forward in space
exploration, NASA is contributing to the growth in
the U.S. and the world over the next century. |
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Questions to think
about:
- What are the best reasons to fund
the space program? Why?
- Which of the spinoffs that you read about
was a complete surprise to you?
- What other kinds of technology transfers
do you envision coming out of future space programs
to the Moon and Mars?
Next... Mission |
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