7 everyday products we wouldn’t have without space travel
Pravrajya Suruchi
Memory Foam: Originally developed by NASA in the 1960s to improve the comfort of astronauts during takeoff and landing, memory foam is now used in mattresses, pillows, and even medical equipment.
GPS Navigation
The Global Positioning System (GPS) relies on a network of satellites in space to provide precise location data.
Scratch-Resistant Lenses: Space helmets needed durable, scratch-resistant coatings to protect astronauts’ visors from damage.
Water Purification Systems: Space missions require efficient systems to purify and recycle water.
Camera Phones
The tiny cameras used in smartphones today were developed from space technology. NASA’s need for lightweight, small, high-quality cameras for space missions led to innovations that are now used in the image sensors found in almost all mobile phones.
Cordless Power Tools: During space missions, astronauts needed cordless tools to operate in environments where plugging into an outlet was impossible. This led to the development of battery-powered, cordless drills and screwdrivers.
Insulation Materials: The material used to insulate spacecraft from extreme temperatures, called radiant barrier insulation, is now widely used in homes and buildings.