Space Tech at Home
This everyday device uses miniaturized camera sensors originally developed for space missions.
What is a camera phone?
Image-processing techniques developed to study the Moon helped advance this medical scanning technology.
What is a CAT scan?
Originally created to rescue astronauts, these hydraulic tools are now used by firefighters and first responders.
What are the Jaws of Life?
This method of preserving food was perfected to make astronaut meals lightweight and long-lasting.
What is freeze-drying?
This U.S. agency has produced thousands of consumer “spinoff” technologies from space research.
What is NASA?
First designed to protect astronaut helmet visors, this technology now keeps eyeglasses and screens durable.
What are scratch-resistant lenses?
Infrared technology originally designed for astronomical measurements is now used in this medical device.
What is an ear thermometer?
NASA sensor technology has been adapted to detect and safely remove these hidden explosive hazards.
What are land mines?
Once created for astronauts, this type of food is now common in camping and emergency preparedness.
What is dehydrated meals?
Satellites developed for space exploration made this global navigation system possible.
What is GPS?
NASA originally developed this pressure-relieving material to improve safety in aircraft and spacecraft seats.
What is memory foam?
Lightweight, high-strength materials from space research improved mobility and comfort in these devices.
What are artificial limbs?
Fire-detection systems developed for spacecraft cabins led to improved versions of this home safety device.
What is a smoke detector?
Research on growing plants in space helped accelerate the development of these energy-efficient lights.
What are LEDs?
Data gathered from space helps scientists monitor and understand this planetary process.
What is climate change?
This reflective material, first used on spacecraft to manage extreme temperatures, is now used to improve home energy efficiency.
What is thermal insulation (space blanket insulation)?
Nutritional research conducted to keep astronauts healthy in space led to improvements in this infant product.
What is baby formula?
Water-recycling systems designed for long-duration missions now help provide this essential resource on Earth.
What are water filtration systems?
Advanced cushioning and shock-absorption materials from space research influenced the design of this product.
What are athletic shoes?
Space exploration encourages students to pursue careers in these interconnected fields.
What are STEM careers?
Early space-age research into compact, efficient household tools helped inspire this popular handheld vacuum.
What is the DustBuster?
Technology developed for monitoring astronaut health in space contributed to advances in this broader field of medicine.
Space-based imaging and sensor technology has been adapted to support this global field of disaster response.
What is emergency management?
Technologies designed to support long missions in space improved everyday living in this broad area.
What is quality of life?
Beyond technology, space exploration has promoted cooperation among nations in pursuit of this shared goal.
What is international scientific collaboration?