http://library.thinkquest.org/J002741/Space_Technology_On_Earth.

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Space technology has provided many advances in our everyday life. Scientists
invented products and techniques to meet the requirements of space exploration. Often
these inventions can also be used on Earth. Many people call space products used on
Earth "space spin-offs". Here are just some of them.
Firefighting Equipment

Apollo technology has been used to produce a lighter breathing system for
firefighters. The new system weighs about 20 pounds (9 kg) and has a mask with
greater peripheral vision.
Firefighting Strategy

European Space Agency satellites will provide information on fire locations. This can
be used to help develop firefighting strategy. This program has been tested and is
scheduled to begin use in 2000.
Vision Research

Landstat and Skylab technology is used to check the human eye for refractive error
and cornea or lens obstruction.
Global Positioning Satellites

Satellites orbiting the Earth, Earth monitoring stations, and navigation receivers
provide accurate positioning for ships, ground vehicles, airplanes and hand-held use.
This technology has both military and non-military uses.
Cordless Tools

A handheld drill developed by Black & Decker and NASA for moon soil samples has
been modified for use in a line of cordless tools. This cordless technology is now used
in building construction, home handyman areas, gardening, and the operating room.
Active Pixel Sensor

This improved image technology requires less power, is less expensive and is smaller
than previous technology. It has provided better images for camcorders, digital
cameras, night vision and x-rays.

Ventricular Assist Device - DeBakey Blood Pump

Using Space Shuttle turbine technology, a small blood pump has been developed. It
can by used temporarily until a heart transplant is available or used to help pump
blood while an injured heart repairs itself. It might also have potential as a permanent
implant.
Scratch Resistant Lenses

Combining NASA space helmet visor technology with Foster Grants internal
research, scratch resistant lenses are available for sunglasses and prescription lenses.
Tsunami Tracking

A satellite circling the Earth receives transmissions from undersea detectors. It

provides accurate information on tsunami size and strength.
Corrective Back Brace

NASA technology was used to develop a back brace for people with scoliosis. This
brace is an alternative to surgery.
Archaeology

Space Shuttle radar images help locate ancient cities, roads, and ruins. This helps
pinpoint archaeological areas faster. This technology helped locate the lost city of
Ubar which is located in Oman.
Document Preservation

NASA is helping design a new protective case to preserve the National Archives' copy
of the Declaration of Independence.
Anti-Corrosion Coatings

NASA required coatings to cover and protect launch structures from exhaust,
temperature changes, ocean spray, and fog. Coatings containing zinc dust and
potassium silicate resist corrosion. Today these coatings are used on statues such as
the Statue of Liberty, bridges, pipelines, military tanks, and power stations.
Foam Cushioning

NASA developed a protective foam cushion for use on the Space Shuttle and airlines.
The foam provides impact protection and distributes body weight over the entire

cushion. This spin-off has use with helmets, wheelchair cushions, and other medical
needs.
Liquid-Cooled Garments

For the Apollo program, water-cooled garments were developed to protect astronauts
from the Moons high temperatures. These garments can reduce body heat by 40 60%. Currently, this technology is used by race car drivers, nuclear reactor workers,
lumber mill workers, and military assigned to desert stations. In addition, people with
medical conditions like Hypohidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia (lack of sweat glands),
cystic fibrosis, and bad burns can benefit from using these garments.
Hang Gliders

Hang gliders or parawings resulted from early NASA investigations into using
parawings as a method of returning payloads from space to Earth. Now, many
recreational and commercial uses have been found for hang gliders. Also, the Armys
Golden Knights team uses parawings in their program.
Radiant Barrier

Metallized plastics were used for the Apollo missions to enable astronauts to have a
temperature controlled working area. These special plastics insulate the spacecraft
from extreme hot and cold. Today, this technology is used on Earth in the construction
industry, food transportation, and other areas where temperature control is important.

Space technology has helped make our life on Earth so much better. It has helped
improve our quality of life and our environment. If you would like more information
on space spin-offs, you can check out the Space Technology Hall of Fame or the
information provided by NASA. Youll be amazed at how many innovations come
from space.