The space program has accomplished some amazing things over the years. The most visible of these accomplishments have been seen on TV but there are benefits that are not so well known too. Here’s a brief look at some of the benefits that we’ve derived from the space program. A more complete list can be found at the Space Place and details on some of the technologies developed can be found at NASAsolutions.
How about a Moonsuit stadium roof? A roof made of moonsuit material is fireproof, lightweight, waterproof, lets in light and reflects heat. Stadiums that use this material include the Georgia Dome in Atlanta and the Olympic Stadium in Rome. It’s also used in other commercial applications, like airport terminals and shopping centers.
One application that is important to me is an improvement in digital mammography using technology developed at NASA’s Langley Research Center for monitoring the Earth’s atmosphere. The system gives clearer images with less radiation to the patient.
Most people, at least in the US, have seen the “Jaws of Life”. These rescue tools have saved countless lives, but they take a while to set up and are expensive. Now there are new tools based on Space Shuttle technology. These new jaws can be set up in as little as 30 seconds, weigh half as much as the older gear, and cost much less. They use a pyrotechnic charge to power the cutters.
Remember Princess Di? She led a campaign to remove landmines from former war zones. The process is dangerous and time consuming. NASA technology can take a bit of the danger in de-mining. Thiokol Science and Engineering has come up with a flare that uses scrap solid rocket propellent that can be used to burn through the mine and render it harmless. The flare is easy to use and eliminates the need to handle a mine that has been uncovered.
There are many more applications, so visit the links above to read more.
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