Produced by: Tarun Mishra
Numerous technologies trace their origins to the advanced scientific applications pioneered by NASA for space exploration. Here are several inventions credited to the American space agency.
NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory developed Complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor technology in the 1990s for spacecraft. Today, over a third of digital cameras, including those in smartphones and GoPros, utilize this technology.
NASA's research into water purification methods for spacecraft led to the development of Aerospace Compound, used in Aquaspace filters for removing substances like Chlorine. These filters are now widely employed across various industries globally and even in our houses.
Originally called temper foam, memory foam was developed by NASA in 1966 to provide comfort and protection on airplane seats. It has since found applications in medical settings, aiding patients with bedsores, and in consumer products like mattresses and insoles.
NASA's improved smoke detector technology, initially designed for space shuttle orbiters, can differentiate between combustion particles and other substances like dust, reducing false alarms and enhancing safety.
NASA commissioned the development of lightweight and comfortable wireless headsets for astronauts, which paved the way for modern wireless headsets used globally today, offering convenience and mobility.
These inventions highlight NASA's legacy of technological innovation, showcasing how advancements made for space exploration benefit various aspects of daily life and industry. NASA's contributions to everyday technology serve as a testament to its mission of advancing scientific knowledge and improving quality of life for people worldwide.