Article updated on January 23, 2021 by Byothe
In addition to visiting the moon and space, the NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) is above all a pioneer in terms of technologies and inventions. Some of them are now part of our daily lives and we could hardly do without them. Here for your beautiful eyes are 5 inventions that we owe to the American space agency!
- The table vacuum cleaner
Who would have thought? This handy little device that saves us from having to get out the big Bertha to pick up breadcrumbs and other dirt originated at NASA. Indeed, at the request of the latter, Black & Decker used a specially developed computer program to optimize the design of the motor of a drill used on the Moon and ensure minimal energy consumption.
The development of this technology led to the development of a miniature cordless vacuum cleaner called the "Dustbuster". The famous table vacuum cleaner that is now available from many manufacturers.
- The infrared thermometer
In the early 80s, NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab invented an infrared sensor to equip the IRAS infrared space telescope, whose mission was to map the sky.
A few years later, in the late 1980s, Diatek Corporation received help from JPL personnel to adapt infrared sensor technology into a new product: an infrared ear thermometer capable of determine body temperature almost instantly by measuring the energy emitted by the eardrum. The Model 7000 will be marketed from 1991 and infrared thermometers will gradually become essential.
- The “memory foam” mattress
Invented in 1966 to absorb shocks and thus provide better protection and comfort in the seats of NASA aircraft, memory foam (" memory foam") has very quickly found many opportunities here below!
In fact, we find this famous foam in many products such as American football helmets, shoes, mattresses, etc. where it is highly appreciated for its behavior. viscoelastic (it is a material that is both viscous and elastic when deformed).
- Baby milk powder
The formula that many parents use to feed their babies probably wouldn't be as nutritious without NASA. Scientists at the agency, looking to develop a bioregenerative fuel for long-duration space travel, discovered an algae rich in omega-3 fatty acids normally found in breast milk. Since its discovery, the algae has been found in 90 percent of powdered baby formulas.
- Anti-scratch glasses
Space is full of debris and particles that can damage the astronaut's helmet visor, so NASA has come up with ultra-strong, scratch-resistant glass to avoid this problem.
Very quickly, the invention was applied to everyone's glasses, creating an incredible market for the optical industry with lenses now 10 times more scratch-resistant than before.
In short, in more than 60 years of existence, the American space agency has done much more than revolutionize the conquest of space; it has also helped improve our daily lives by creating various technologies and inventions, each more remarkable than the last.
